The United States has seized more than $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency that officials say was linked to Iran, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The announcement was made as Washington continues efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions and financial restrictions. US officials said the assets were connected to networks accused of helping Iran access funds and bypass international sanctions.
According to the Treasury Department, the seizure forms part of a broader campaign targeting financial channels that American authorities claim support Iran’s government and regional activities. Officials argued that digital currencies have increasingly been used to move money outside traditional banking systems, making enforcement efforts more difficult.
The seizure is one of the largest cryptocurrency-related actions taken by US authorities against Iran and comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over sanctions, regional conflicts and nuclear negotiations.
Iran has repeatedly criticized US sanctions, describing them as unlawful and harmful to its economy. Tehran has also rejected accusations that it uses financial networks to evade international restrictions.
