Infrared Finance (IR) Surge

On December 17, the market analysis covers BTC, ETH, SOL, PTB, and IR amid mixed economic signals. Non-farm data showed both positive and negative impacts, with Wall Street focused on January data for potential rate cuts. BTC remains weak on the 4-hour chart with no clear support. It broke below the trendline with a bearish MACD cross, suggesting further downside. Key support levels are identified at 77,250–78,800 for initial entry, and 74,600–75,000 if 77,000 is breached. ETH is in a correction phase, with MACD nearing zero and potential for accelerated decline. Key supports are at 2,228 and 2,112, with 2,752–2,680 as a possible short-term rebound zone. SOL is trading between Bollinger Bands with supports at 114–102. A break below 100 could lead to a drop toward 86–85. PTB is considered highly risky due to extreme volatility and low trading reliability, often resulting in significant losses. IR has a total supply of 1 billion tokens with initial circulation of 20.5% at a price of $0.1. While it has strong backing and previous protocol revenue, current metrics show decline. Tokenomics are unclear, and cautious approach is advised. Overall, the market suggests waiting for clearer signals post-BoJ decision on the 19th, with strategic entries at key support levels.

Iran announced plans to charge Bitcoin and USDT transit fees for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Within two weeks, scammers impersonated Iranian officials and sent fraudulent messages to stranded vessels, demanding cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage. At least one tanker that paid the fake fee was fired upon by Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats when attempting to cross. Maritime risk firm MARISKS confirmed the scam exploited shipowners’ anxiety amid heightened regional tensions. Chain analysis firms TRM Labs and Chainalysis found no evidence of large-scale crypto payments actually being made to Iranian entities. Legal experts warned that even payments made to scammers—if intended for Iran—could violate international sanctions. The incident highlights how cryptocurrency’s irreversibility, often touted as a strength, becomes a critical risk in conflict-driven fraud. While Iran’s proposal initially sparked excitement in crypto circles, it ultimately created a new attack vector for deception, leaving ships trapped, fined, or even under fire.

Iran has announced a comprehensive plan to assert control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping chokepoint. The proposed measures include requiring all vessels to obtain Iranian permission for passage, imposing fees for security, environmental protection, and navigation management—preferably paid in Iranian rials—and absolutely banning Israeli ships. Vessels from countries deemed hostile by Iran’s top security bodies may also be barred. Analysts suggest Iran’s motives are multifaceted: increasing pressure on the U.S. and Israel by leveraging control over oil transit to influence global prices and inflation; creating a new revenue stream, potentially exceeding $7.7 billion annually, to counter Western sanctions and support postwar reconstruction; and using transit permissions as bargaining chips in future negotiations, notably with the U.S. However, the plan faces significant practical and diplomatic challenges. Enforcing comprehensive interception and fee collection in the busy waterway, patrolled by international military forces, would be difficult. The U.S. has already countering with a blockade of Iranian ports and threats to intercept any ship paying fees, potentially strangling Iran’s oil exports and fee revenue. Broad international opposition, led by European and Gulf states, and legal controversies further complicate implementation. The proposal may ultimately serve more as a negotiating tactic than a feasible policy, with its execution remaining highly uncertain.