US Freezes $131M in Crypto Linked to Iran Amid Escalating Tensions

US authorities have ordered the freezing of $131 million in cryptocurrency linked to Iran. The move comes as tensions between the US and Iran escalate, with a collapse in the ceasefire between the two nations.

The funds were held in four Tron wallets that Tether, a stablecoin issuer, froze at the request of the US government. According to blockchain investigator Specter, on-chain data showed that the wallets were tied to the Central Bank of Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the asset freeze, stating that the US is committed to disrupting and degrading Iran's illicit financial activities, including its abuse of digital assets. This marks the latest development in Operation Economic Fury, a campaign launched by the US government against Iran's economic interests.