Treasury Secretary Bessent Says US Has 'Grabbed' $1 Billion in Crypto From Iran
Analysis
Price Impact
MedThe us seizure of $1 billion in crypto from iran, particularly if it includes usdt, could have a moderate impact. while the amount is significant, it's unlikely to drastically affect usdt's overall market cap. however, it raises concerns about regulatory scrutiny and the potential for future actions against stablecoins used in illicit activities.
Trustworthiness
MedPrice Direction
NeutralThe news itself doesn't directly impact the price of usdt. while it highlights regulatory concerns and potential risks associated with stablecoins, it doesn't signal a direct sell-off or buy-off for usdt. the market might react with slight caution, but a significant price swing is not immediately expected.
Time Effect
ShortThe immediate impact of this news will likely be felt in the short term as the market digests the information. however, the long-term effect depends on future regulatory actions and iran's continued use of crypto.
Original Article:
Article Content:
In brief Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday that the U.S. has seized roughly $1 billion worth of cryptocurrencies from Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly embraced Bitcoin, from maritime insurance to shipping tolls. Actors linked to Iran have used Tether’s USDT stablecoin to move funds, Israeli authorities alleged last year. The U.S. government has seized vast sums of cryptocurrency from entities linked to Iran’s military since the war broke out in February, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Speaking Friday at the 2026 Reagan National Economic Forum in Simi Valley, California, he said that some actors holding digital assets may not even know the funds are gone. “I believe that we have seized about $1 billion of their crypto,” Bessent told Fox Business Network’ s Larry Kudlow. “Just outright grabbed the wallets. Some of them may be typing in right now, and they might not have realized that their wallet had been grabbed.” The statement reflects the U.S. government's sweeping crackdown on Iran’s government, which benefits from the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Amid the conflict, the waterway—through which 20% of the world’s oil flows—has largely remained choked. Bessent’s comments come as the U.S. and Iran reportedly inch closer to a deal that could alleviate tension threatening the global economy. Negotiators have reached an agreement that could prolong a fragile ceasefire, pending approval from President Donald Trump, per Axios . Fars , a state-affiliated Iranian news agency, reported this month that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has promoted a Bitcoin-settled maritime insurance platform called Hormuz Safe. In April, the Financial Times reported that Iran plans to require oil tankers passing through the strait to pay transit fees in Bitcoin. At the time, the outlet quoted an Iranian official who said the fees “can’t be traced or confiscated due to sanctions.” On Friday, Bessent didn’t link the seizures to the reported scheme—nor did he say that the U.S. government’s actions involved the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Meanwhile, scammers impersonating Iranian authorities have been targeting shipping companies with fraudulent payment demands in Bitcoin and Tether’s USDT stablecoin, Reuters reported in April. Last year, Israel's National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing alleged that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had received $1.5 billion in the stablecoin. Daily Debrief Newsletter Start every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more. Your Email Get it! Get it!