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▲ US, Iran, cryptocurrency regulation, illegal cryptocurrency funds/AI generated image
The United States announced it had seized approximately $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency assets, signaling the full-scale launch of a financial war targeting digital asset wallets, going beyond sanctions and military pressure.
According to crypto media outlet Cointelegraph on May 30 (local time), Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, stated at the Reagan National Economic Forum that the US had seized approximately $1 billion in Iran-related cryptocurrency assets. Bessent said, “We believe we've seized about $1 billion of their crypto. We've literally brought the wallets in. Some of them may not even realize that the wallet has been seized even as they are typing into it right now.”
Bessent explained that this seizure is part of “Operation Economic Fury,” a US financial pressure campaign aimed at Iran. The operation began in March 2025 and has targeted Iranian assets through various fronts, including cryptocurrency seizures, freezing bank accounts, and cooperation with European allies on asset forfeiture.
Bessent claimed that the US military operations and Operation Economic Fury have significantly curtailed Iran's financial capabilities. He said, “Between a very successful military operation that's gone on for five and a half, six weeks, and Operation Economic Fury, we've really shut them down. They're now financially at the end of their tether.”
Bessent asserted that before US intervention, the Iranian regime was siphoning off $400 million to $500 million each month and distributing it among approximately 80 leaders. He stated that Iran's inflation might have exceeded 200%, food vouchers are being distributed, the internet has been cut off, and 40% to 50% of the Iranian military are not receiving their salaries.
The newly disclosed seizure of approximately $1 billion is about double the $500 million in Iranian cryptocurrency assets announced by the US Treasury Department in late April. It is also significantly larger than the $344 million in seizures disclosed earlier that same month. Cointelegraph reported that Iran is also considering monetizing its control over the Strait of Hormuz through a Bitcoin-based insurance model.
*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*
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