US freezes $130 million in crypto wallets linked to Iran’s central bank amid new sanctions

WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran, freezing more than $130 million worth of digital assets held in cryptocurrency wallets allegedly linked to Iran’s central bank.

According to the US Treasury Department, several crypto wallets connected to Iranian financial networks have been blocked as part of Washington’s latest measures targeting Tehran’s financial activities.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the move in a statement on social media platform X, saying the United States remains committed to preventing what it described as Iran’s illicit financial operations and misuse of digital assets.

Bessent said Washington would continue monitoring suspected illegal money transfers and would take measures to prevent the Iranian government from accessing funds obtained through unauthorized channels.

The latest action represents another step in the US sanctions campaign against Iran’s financial sector and digital asset networks, with Washington aiming to restrict Tehran’s access to international financial resources.