# Sanctions Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Sanctions", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

$1 Billion in Iranian Cryptocurrency Seized by the U.S., Could It Be Added to the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the seizure of approximately $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency assets. The critical unanswered questions are the specific assets seized (e.g., Bitcoin vs. stablecoins like USDT) and their precise legal status (frozen vs. formally forfeited). According to a 2025 executive order, only Bitcoin that has undergone complete judicial forfeiture can be placed into a permanent, non-saleable Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Other forfeited digital assets go to a separate US Digital Asset Reserve. Currently, only $344 million in USDT frozen by Tether is publicly confirmed. The remaining $656 million in assets lack public details. The assets' final disposition hinges on three factors: 1) Asset type, 2) Completion of the forfeiture process, and 3) Whether funds are used for victim restitution, law enforcement costs, or other exemptions before treasury transfer. Without confirmed forfeiture of Bitcoin, the seizure may primarily demonstrate stable币 regulatory compliance rather than augmenting the US Bitcoin reserve.

marsbitYesterday 01:06

$1 Billion in Iranian Cryptocurrency Seized by the U.S., Could It Be Added to the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?

marsbitYesterday 01:06

US Seizes Nearly $1B in Iranian Crypto Amid Economic Pressure Campaign

The United States has seized nearly $1 billion worth of Iranian cryptocurrency, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced. He noted some wallet owners may be unaware their funds were confiscated. The action is part of "Operation Economic Fury," a U.S. financial pressure campaign against Iran launched in March 2025, which has also involved freezing bank accounts and seizing properties with European partners. Bessent stated that prior to U.S. intervention, the Iranian regime was allegedly diverting hundreds of millions monthly to a small elite. He described Iran's economy as severely strained, with food rationing, internet outages, and many military personnel going unpaid. The $1 billion seizure figure marks a significant increase from previous totals reported in April.

TheNewsCrypto05/30 14:32

US Seizes Nearly $1B in Iranian Crypto Amid Economic Pressure Campaign

TheNewsCrypto05/30 14:32

Trump’s Dual Pressure: When the Iran Deal Meets the Midterm Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate a deal with Iran are triggering a political backlash within his own Republican Party, as the approach of midterm elections intensifies internal divisions. Reports of a potential agreement—involving a temporary ceasefire, phased sanctions relief, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets in exchange for discussions on Tehran diluting or transferring its stockpile of highly enriched uranium—have drawn sharp criticism from GOP hawks. Key allies like Senators Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz warned that such concessions could allow Iran to recuperate, undermine recent U.S. military gains, and ultimately strengthen a hostile regime. The dispute highlights a broader political struggle for Trump, who must reconcile his "America First" posture with diplomatic compromise while facing a tough electoral landscape. With Republicans fighting to maintain control of Congress and Trump’s approval ratings declining, the Iran deal has quickly become a test of party loyalty and perceived toughness. Public sparring between Trump aides and critics—including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo—underscores the internal pressure. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump’s historically hardline stance, skeptics like Senator Thom Tillis questioned the logic of any deal that leaves nuclear materials in Iran. The outcome now hinges on whether Trump can persuade his party’s hardliners to accept a negotiated exit.

marsbit05/25 08:54

Trump’s Dual Pressure: When the Iran Deal Meets the Midterm Elections

marsbit05/25 08:54

The Iran Deal Is Not a Finale, But a 60-Day Political Respite

The reported "Iran deal" is not a comprehensive peace agreement, but a proposed 60-day memorandum of understanding. During this period, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, the US would lift its naval blockade, and Iran would receive a sanctions waiver to sell oil, with formal nuclear negotiations to follow. However, the core structural conflicts remain unresolved: Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, ultimate control of the Strait, the sequence of sanctions relief versus nuclear concessions, and the potential for Israeli unilateral action to derail the process. The article highlights deeper geopolitical currents: China is indirectly shaping talks via Pakistan to restore Iranian oil flows and curb US dominance, while trade routes through Oman and the UAE create leaks in the US blockade. Parallel US diplomatic efforts aim to draw India into its security framework, though India remains cautious. Ultimately, the deal offers short-term political breathing room for both Washington and Tehran. The true test will come after the 60-day window, when the irreconcilable demands—US insistence on nuclear rollback versus Iran's determination to retain the Strait as a deterrent—will resurface, determining if this is a path to peace or merely a managed pause in the conflict.

marsbit05/25 07:51

The Iran Deal Is Not a Finale, But a 60-Day Political Respite

marsbit05/25 07:51

Stablecoin Regulation: FDIC Announces New Proposed AML Rules For Issuers

The FDIC has proposed new rules to extend Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and economic sanctions compliance standards to FDIC-supervised Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuers (PPSIs). This would formally classify PPSIs as financial institutions, requiring them to implement full Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) programs, OFAC-aligned sanctions compliance structures, and related reporting obligations. The proposal follows earlier prudential standards for PPSIs. Supervision would involve FDIC coordination with FinCEN, with enforcement shielded for entities with effective programs unless significant failures occur. The public comment period lasts until June 9, 2026, with a final rule expected later that year. The FDIC estimates 5-30 PPSIs may seek approval initially, with compliance costs likely modest due to leveraging parent companies' existing infrastructure.

bitcoinist05/24 09:45

Stablecoin Regulation: FDIC Announces New Proposed AML Rules For Issuers

bitcoinist05/24 09:45

Iran Launches Bitcoin-Based Maritime Insurance Platform 'HormuzSafe', Claims Annual Revenue Could Exceed $100 Billion

Iran has launched "HormuzSafe," a Bitcoin-based maritime insurance platform for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming for potential annual revenue exceeding $10 billion. The platform, announced by Iranian semi-official media, offers "cryptographically verifiable insurance policies" settled in Bitcoin for Iranian shippers and cargo owners. However, its operational status is unconfirmed, and analysts highlight significant challenges including Bitcoin's price volatility, risks of violating U.S. sanctions, and the controversial background of some involved figures. This initiative is part of Iran's broader strategy to institutionalize control over the critical waterway—which handles roughly 20% of global seaborne oil trade—following its closure after U.S.-Israel airstrikes in late February. Iran has also established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to manage traffic and fees. While positioning Bitcoin as a sanctions-resistant settlement layer, the platform faces skepticism regarding its technical feasibility, user adoption, and the potential for it to be confused with existing crypto-related shipping scams.

marsbit05/20 04:03

Iran Launches Bitcoin-Based Maritime Insurance Platform 'HormuzSafe', Claims Annual Revenue Could Exceed $100 Billion

marsbit05/20 04:03

Iran Launches Bitcoin Payment Platform For Strait Of Hormuz Insurance

Iran has launched a maritime insurance platform named "Hormuz Safe" for cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with insurance payments settled in Bitcoin. According to a report from Iran's Fars News Agency, the state-backed initiative could generate significant revenue and embeds Bitcoin into a critical global shipping corridor. The platform offers cryptographically verifiable policies for cargo moving through the Persian Gulf and surrounding waterways, with coverage beginning upon payment confirmation. This move occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the strait, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments. The report did not specify technical details on Bitcoin payment processing or identify external partners.

bitcoinist05/18 12:31

Iran Launches Bitcoin Payment Platform For Strait Of Hormuz Insurance

bitcoinist05/18 12:31

Tether Urged To Transfer $344M In Frozen USDT To Terror Victims

A US federal court in Manhattan is being asked to order Tether to transfer $344 million in frozen USDT to victims of Iran-linked terrorist attacks. The plaintiffs, including a Jerusalem family affected by a 1997 Hamas bombing, hold unpaid court judgments against Iran. They target two Tron blockchain wallets, frozen earlier this year by the US Treasury's OFAC as linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Their lawsuit argues that because Tether, as a centralized issuer, can freeze wallets, it can also be compelled by court order to move the equivalent funds to satisfy the judgments. This case could set a significant legal precedent for centralized stablecoin issuers and is part of a broader legal campaign targeting frozen crypto assets linked to sanctioned entities.

bitcoinist05/16 21:01

Tether Urged To Transfer $344M In Frozen USDT To Terror Victims

bitcoinist05/16 21:01

Iran’s Hidden Crypto Trails Exposed As Arkham Publishes Public Wallet Map

Blockchain intelligence firm Arkham has published a public, searchable map of cryptocurrency wallets linked to Iran's central bank, Bank Markazi. The core of the map is two Tron-based wallets that were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury on April 24, identified as property of the bank and tied to the IRGC-Qods Force and Hezbollah. Approximately $344 million in crypto was frozen in the action, with Tether complying to freeze the funds. Arkham's research aims to serve as a starting point for tracing transaction flows. Analysis reveals a complex, layered system where Iranian oil revenues move through brokers, intermediary wallets, and DeFi protocols to obscure their origin before reaching central bank-linked accounts. While the Tron network itself cannot monitor transactions, it points to a joint financial crime unit with Tether and TRM Labs to flag illicit activity. The exposed wallets are part of a larger trend. Estimates indicate Iran's total crypto transaction volume reached roughly $11.4 billion in 2024 and $10 billion in 2025. Furthermore, Iran is reportedly considering charging crypto tolls for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling digital assets' expanding role beyond sanctions evasion.

bitcoinist05/14 02:02

Iran’s Hidden Crypto Trails Exposed As Arkham Publishes Public Wallet Map

bitcoinist05/14 02:02

Iran’s Crypto Lifeline Hit As US Freezes $344 Million In Funds

The US Treasury has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency tied to Iranian military and political groups, specifically targeting two Tron blockchain wallets connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hizballah. This action follows reports that Iran was collecting Bitcoin payments from ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The freeze occurred just one day after stablecoin issuer Tether locked the same amount of funds at the request of US law enforcement. The move is part of broader US efforts to disrupt Iran's ability to generate and move funds, highlighting the limitations of using cryptocurrency as a sanctions workaround when centralized issuers comply with enforcement actions.

bitcoinist04/26 10:01

Iran’s Crypto Lifeline Hit As US Freezes $344 Million In Funds

bitcoinist04/26 10:01

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