The United States has seized nearly $500 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran as part of a wider economic pressure campaign, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
He said US authorities recently took control of about $350 million in crypto assets, adding to another $100 million seized earlier, bringing the total close to half a billion dollars.
Bessent said the move is part of a broader strategy ordered by President Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
He added that the United States is also pushing foreign governments and companies to cut financial and trade ties with Iran, warning of possible sanctions against those who continue business with the country.
According to him, steps have been taken to target buyers of Iranian oil and restrict financial activities linked to Iran.
Iran has rejected the US claims, saying such actions could drive up global oil prices. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised the remarks, calling them baseless.
Officials said the pressure campaign is expected to continue as tensions between the two countries remain high.
-20260428081016.webp)
-20260428051330.webp)
-20260429103203.jpg)
