Escalation in US Sanctions: US Seized $1 Billion in Iranian Digital Assets

[75205] Escalation in US Sanctions: US Seized $1 Billion in Iranian Digital Assets

The US administration announced a new round of sanctions against Iran's oil and technology networks, alongside the seizure of $1 billion in crypto assets, against a backdrop of conflicting reports on the continuation of diplomatic contacts.

Escalation in US Sanctions: US Seized Iranian Crypto Assets

On Friday, May 29, 2026, the US Treasury Department announced a series of dramatic economic measures against Iran. According to reports in Iran International, the US imposed sanctions on eight individuals and five entities linked to the networks of Ali Majd Safir and the Iranian Ministry of Defense. At the same time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the seizure of $1 billion in Iranian digital currency assets, emphasizing in خبری پلاس|خبرفوری 🔖فوری that "we have fully taken the wallets."

Dual Sanctions System: Economic Pressure vs. Diplomacy

The US move also includes measures against the oil sector. As reported by DW Persian, the US imposed sanctions on shipping companies and eight oil tankers, claiming they are helping to conceal the origins of Iran's oil and petrochemicals. Conversely, sources affiliated with the Iranian administration, such as خبرگزاری ایرنا, emphasized that these steps are taking place while there are "rumors about the possibility of reaching an agreement" between the parties.

Differing Assessments Regarding the Continuation of Contacts

While news agencies such as آخرین خبر report a slight drop in global oil prices due to expectations of an agreement, US officials cited in فارس بین‌الملل و سیاست خارجی indicate that the lifting of the "siege" on Iranian ports, if it occurs, will be done "very slowly."

At the same time, a report in the New York Times (as published by Fars News Agency) revealed a new initiative to establish an "international investment fund" of $300 billion as part of a future agreement, a step described as "the most surprising addition to the negotiations." As of now, the Iranian public is receiving conflicting data, with opposition figures emphasizing the intensification of economic pressure, while media outlets affiliated with the regime are trying to frame the events as part of a complex diplomatic process.