The United States has frozen about $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran, in a fresh move to tighten financial pressure on Tehran and curb its ability to bypass international sanctions.
US officials said the targeted digital wallets were believed to be part of networks used to move funds through Iranian exchanges and evade restrictions imposed on the country.
The action forms part of broader efforts by Washington to disrupt financial channels tied to Iran amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
According to authorities, the US Treasury sanctioned multiple crypto addresses connected to the transactions, stressing that the government would continue to track and block funds linked to sanctioned entities. A senior official underscored the resolve to “trace the money” and shut down financial lifelines supporting the Iranian regime.
The operation was carried out with assistance from crypto firm Tether, which confirmed it helped freeze the assets after US agencies flagged the wallets for suspected illicit activity. The company said the action prevented further movement of the funds and reinforced its stance against the misuse of digital currencies for unlawful purposes.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations has not publicly responded to the development.
The latest crackdown highlights growing concerns among US officials that cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used to sidestep traditional banking restrictions, especially as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to influence global financial and security dynamics.
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