US prepares to seize $1 billion in Iran-linked crypto, Treasury Secretary Bessent says
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that authorities will likely seize about $1 billion in cryptocurrency connected to Iran as part of an effort to economically isolate the country.
The United States is preparing to seize roughly $1 billion in cryptocurrency tied to Iran, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday. Speaking at the NPolicy Summit in Washington, Bessent indicated that authorities will probably carry out the seizure this week, asserting that officials know where the funds are located and describing the enforcement as part of an absolute isolation campaign.[3][4][6][8]
The digital asset crackdown follows months of U.S. sanctions and asset freezes targeting Iranian finances. The broader isolation strategy extends to Iran's oil exports, commercial transportation routes, maritime access, and airspace restrictions. Bessent previously noted in May that the U.S. had already confiscated approximately $1 billion in Iran-linked crypto assets, though reports noted it remains unclear whether the latest $1 billion is additional to earlier seizures.[4][5][8]
The anticipated enforcement comes during elevated regional tensions. According to Crypto Briefing, the asset seizure could complicate ongoing diplomatic engagement, reducing the potential for a bilateral agreement between Washington and Tehran while influencing broader regional stability.[1][2][7]
Key facts
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. will probably seize about $1 billion in Iran-linked cryptocurrency.
- Bessent said authorities know the location of the assets and characterized the crackdown as an absolute isolation campaign.
- The U.S. isolation campaign against Iran also includes maritime blockades, flight restrictions, and measures targeting oil exports and land routes.
- Bessent previously stated in May that the U.S. had seized about $1 billion in Iran-linked crypto assets, leaving it unclear if the new target is additive.
- The seizure plan follows months of sanctions and asset freezes by U.S. authorities targeting Iranian holdings.
- Crypto Briefing reported that the seizure could hinder diplomatic progress and affect regional stability.
Sources · 7 sources
- KC
Kalshi Crypto@Kalshi_CryptoPost on X ·
JUST IN: US to seize $1B in crypto assets to increase economic pressure on Iran
Open source - CB
Coin Bureau@coinbureauPost on X ·
🇺🇸🇮🇷BREAKING: US to seize $1 BILLION in crypto assets as part of efforts to economically isolate Iran.
Open source - TB
The Block@TheBlockCoPost on X ·
THE BLOCK: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. will "probably" seize $1 billion in crypto tied to Iran this week. "We know where it is," he said Thursday at a conference, calling the crackdown an "absolute isolation campaign." https://t.co/oN2k9AvLFs
Open source - WB
Wu Blockchain@WuBlockchainPost on X ·
Bessent Says U.S. May Seize About $1B in Iran-Linked Crypto This Week According to Newsmax, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said at the NPolicy Summit in Washington that the U.S. may seize about $1 billion in cryptocurrency linked to Iran this week, adding that authorities “know where it is.” He said the move is part of an “absolute isolation campaign” that also includes maritime blockades, flight restrictions and efforts to close Iran’s land routes. Bessent said in May that the U.S. had already seized about $1 billion in Iran-linked crypto assets, although it remains unclear whether the latest $1 billion target is additional to previously announced seizures.
Open source - TB
The BlockArticle ·
US targets $1 billion Iran-linked crypto seizure, Bessent says ‘we know where it is’ Bessent’s latest crypto seizure plan follows months of sanctions and freezes targeting Iranian assets.
Open source - BL
BlockNews@blocknewsdotcomPost on X ·
🚨 JUST IN: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. will “probably” seize $1 BILLION in crypto linked to Iran this week. “We know where it is,” Bessent said Thursday, describing the crackdown as an “absolute isolation campaign.” https://t.co/jEseuQNfsp
Open source - CB
Crypto BriefingArticle ·
US to seize $1B in crypto assets to pressure Iran amid ongoing conflict The U.S. crypto asset seizure may hinder diplomatic progress, reducing chances for a U.S.-Iran deal and affecting regional stability. The post US to seize $1B in crypto assets to pressure Iran amid ongoing conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing .
Open source - CB
Coin Bureau@coinbureauPost on X ·
🚨JUST IN: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the Trump administration could SEIZE $1 BILLION in Iran-linked cryptocurrency THIS WEEK. “We're probably gonna seize a billion dollars of crypto this week. And, you know, we know where it is and we are isolating them.” The move is part of Washington's “absolute isolation campaign” against Iran, targeting its oil exports, transportation routes, and financial assets.
Open source