US freezes $344 million in crypto assets allegedly linked to Iran

The US has taken a new step against the Tehran administration as part of its sanctions against Iran. In a written statement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that under "Economic Fury," the US will continue to systematically weaken Iran's capacity to generate funds, move money, and repatriate it to the country.

In this context, Bessent announced that the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on various entities linked to Iran and that, within this scope, $344 million worth of crypto assets allegedly linked to Iran have been frozen.

Bessent further stated, "We will pursue the funds that Tehran is trying to move out of the country and target all financial lifelines connected to the regime."

Sanctions on China-based refinery and 40 vessels

The US Treasury Department also announced that OFAC has added the China-based small-scale independent refinery company Hengli Petrochemical to its sanctions list as part of the new measures.

It was noted that China-based independent refineries play a significant role in sustaining Iran's oil economy, and it was stated that Hengli Petrochemical is one of Iran's largest customers, having purchased billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil.

At the same time, it was reported that OFAC has also included approximately 40 shipping companies and vessels linked to Iran's "shadow fleet" under the scope of sanctions.