Hash Chain News Flash | Iran Proposes RMB Settlement Terms for Oil; Strait of Hormuz May Face Key Turning Point

On March 14, according to multiple U.S. media reports, an Iranian official revealed that the Iranian government is considering allowing certain oil tankers to continue passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but has proposed a new settlement condition—that relevant oil transactions be settled in Chinese yuan (RMB).

This statement has been viewed by the market as an important signal in the current Middle East situation.

Analysts believe this proposal contains at least four layers of strategic considerations:

First, it provides a stepping stone to cool down the situation. A prolonged blockade or threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz would bring enormous international pressure on Iran, while limited passage of tankers can ease diplomatic pressure.

Second, it bypasses the U.S. dollar settlement system. If RMB settlement is adopted, Iran's partial oil trade can avoid the U.S. dollar clearing network, thereby reducing the impact of U.S. financial sanctions.

Third, it promotes an experiment in "de-dollarization" of oil settlement. If any country accepts RMB settlement for oil, this would become an important breakthrough in the global energy trading system.

Fourth, it strengthens China-Iran energy cooperation. RMB settlement not only helps expand China's financial role in energy trade, but may also further deepen long-term cooperation between China and Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20% of global oil transportation. Any changes in the settlement system or transportation policy could potentially have cascading effects on the international energy market and global financial landscape.

Against the backdrop of intertwining geopolitics and currency systems, changes in the currency for oil settlement often reshape global patterns more than missiles do.