US Seizes $1 Billion in Iranian Crypto Assets as Part of Economic Pressure Campaign

The US Treasury Department has taken a significant step in its efforts to economically pressure Iran, seizing nearly $1 billion in cryptocurrency assets as part of Operation Economic Fury.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the US authorities have directly taken control of cryptocurrency wallets linked to Iran, a move he described as 'a game-changer' in the economic campaign against Tehran.

The seizure is just one aspect of the broader strategy to cut off Iran's access to funds and weaken its financial networks. The administration has also launched 'Operation Economic Fury', which targets Iranian financial channels through asset seizures, frozen bank accounts, and coordination with international partners since its launch in March 2025.

Bessent claimed that a combination of military operations and economic measures had significantly eroded Iran's financial capacity, leaving the country at the 'end of their tether' financially. He also alleged that many members of the country's security apparatus were not being paid, and inflation had risen sharply due to the economic distress.

Furthermore, Bessent stated that the administration is working with European allies to identify and seize overseas assets allegedly linked to Iranian officials, including villas, houses, and properties. He emphasized that these assets represent 'money stolen from the Iranian people' and are being used to disrupt financial flows between Tehran and its officials.