U.S. says it seized nearly $500 million in Iranian crypto assets
The U.S. has seized nearly $500 million in Iranian crypto assets, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said U.S. crypto seizures tied to Iran now approach $500 million.The figure is higher than the $344 million USDT freeze previously confirmed by Tether.The seizures form part of Operation Economic Fury, targeting Irans banks, crypto assets, and oil networks. The figure is higher than the $344 million in USDT previously reported as frozen by Tether. Bessent said the seizures are part of Operation Economic Fury. President Donald Trump ordered the campaign in March 2025 to increase financial pressure on Iran. The campaign targets crypto assets, bank accounts, overseas property, and other holdings linked to Iranian officials and networks. Treasury expands Iran pressure campaign Bessent said, “We are freezing bank accounts everywhere. More importantly, we are making people less willing to deal with the regime.” He also said retirement funds and overseas real estate held by Iranian officials are being targeted. The Treasury has used sanctions and asset freezes to limit Irans access to global finance. Moreover, the nearly $500 million figure is above the $344 million in crypto assets reported earlier. Tether said it froze more than $344 million in USDT at the request of U.S.