U.S. Targets $1 Billion Crypto Seizure from Iran-Linked Accounts

The United States is pursuing the seizure of approximately $1 billion in cryptocurrency from accounts linked to Iran, with Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stating authorities have identified the assets.

The planned action represents one of the largest potential crypto seizures ever announced by the U.S. government. It follows months of escalating sanctions and asset freezes targeting Iranian financial networks, including those using digital currencies to circumvent traditional banking restrictions.

Deputy AG Monaco did not specify the exact cryptocurrencies involved or the exchanges or wallets holding the funds. The announcement signals a continued focus by the Department of Justice and Treasury Department on using crypto-tracing tools to enforce sanctions against state actors.

This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to disrupt revenue streams for nations under comprehensive sanctions. Previous enforcement actions have targeted smaller amounts, making the scale of this potential seizure a significant escalation in the use of financial tools against Iran.