Washington, Apr 30 (V7N) — US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has claimed that the United States has seized nearly $500 million worth of cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran as part of an intensified economic pressure campaign.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Bessent said Washington had already seized approximately $350 million in crypto assets, with an additional $100 million recently added, bringing the total close to half a billion dollars.

“We are also freezing bank accounts everywhere,” he said, describing the measures as part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting Tehran’s financial capabilities.

Bessent noted that the campaign—referred to by US officials as “Operation Economic Fury”—was initiated under President Donald Trump in March last year and was significantly intensified about three weeks ago. The United States is also urging foreign governments and companies to cut economic ties with Iran.

He warned that Washington is prepared to impose “secondary sanctions” on industries and financial institutions in countries that continue to purchase Iranian oil.

According to the US Treasury chief, the combined impact of financial restrictions and the naval blockade of Iranian ports could inflict long-term damage on Iran’s economy.

However, Iranian officials have dismissed the campaign. Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized the US measures on social media, calling them “nonsense” and suggesting they could instead contribute to rising global oil prices.

The developments underscore escalating economic tensions between Washington and Tehran, alongside broader geopolitical strains in the region.

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