US Seizes Nearly Half Billion Dollars in Iranian Crypto Assets

The U.S. government has taken a significant step in its efforts to restrict Iran's access to global finance by seizing nearly half a billion dollars' worth of Iranian cryptocurrency assets.

The operation is part of Operation Economic Fury, which was initiated by President Donald Trump in March 2025 with the goal of increasing financial pressure on the Iranian regime. The campaign targets various aspects of the country's economy, including crypto assets, bank accounts, overseas property, and other holdings linked to Iranian officials and networks.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the seizures are a key part of the U.S.'s strategy to make it more difficult for the Iranian regime to operate financially. He noted that retirement funds and overseas real estate held by Iranian officials are also being targeted.

The nearly $500 million figure is higher than the previously reported $344 million in frozen USDT tokens, according to Tether. The Treasury Department has used sanctions and asset freezes to limit Iran's access to global finance, with over 1,000 Iran-related individuals, vessels, and aircraft sanctioned since February 2025.