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| Freezes cryptocurrency linked to Iran |
The Trump administration announced the freezing of more than $130 million in cryptocurrency that it says is linked to Iran, in a move aimed at escalating economic pressure on Tehran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bisent said in a post on the X platform that the administration will continue to aggressively track funds and prevent the Iranian regime from accessing the proceeds of its illicit revenue schemes.
He emphasized that the U.S. Treasury Department is committed to disrupting Iran’s illicit financial activities, including its misuse of digital assets, and limiting their spread.
On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on several digital wallets allegedly linked to the Iranian central bank, freezing their assets.
The ministry also imposed sanctions on more than 50 entities allegedly linked to an Iranian sanctions evasion network.
A source familiar with the matter said that Tether, a digital currency company that facilitates cryptocurrency transactions worldwide, is involved in freezing assets.
In April, the administration froze $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran.
The digital currency freeze comes amid the collapse of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which was supposed to end the war, as Washington escalated military operations against Tehran and launched another round of airstrikes on Tuesday.
