The United States has once again intensified economic pressure on the Islamic Republic. On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department announced a new package of sanctions targeting not only traditional economic sectors but also the digital sphere. The restrictions apply to specific individuals as well as major Iranian cryptocurrency trading platforms.

Cryptocurrency in Washington's crosshairs

According to official data from the department, four Iranian citizens have been added to the sanctions list. However, the main blow was directed at financial institutions dealing with digital assets. The US has officially blocked the operations of four leading Iranian crypto exchanges:

  • Nobitex;
  • Bitpin;
  • Ramzinex;
  • Wallex.

The US Treasury Department warned that these measures are not just local in nature. Any financial institutions or private individuals from third countries that conduct transactions with the specified Iranian firms also risk facing US sanctions. This creates serious risks for international intermediaries attempting to bypass the embargo through cryptocurrency channels.

Continuation of the oil war

The new restrictions are a logical continuation of a series of measures taken by Washington over the past week. Previously, the US imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the export of Iranian oil. Eight vessels involved in transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products to global markets were targeted.

Additionally, more than 15 companies operating in key Asian financial centers were added to the blacklist. These include Worth Seen Energy Limited and Mehdiyev Trading in Hong Kong, as well as Symphony Shipping and Maritime Management in Dubai. According to the Treasury Department, these organizations use infrastructure owned by the Iranian armed forces to purchase petroleum products outside the country.

Economic pressure and diplomacy

The tightening of the sanctions regime comes against the backdrop of a complex economic situation in Tehran. As reported by Reuters, Iran is currently interested in reaching a temporary deal with the US. The goal of the Iranian side is to ease economic pressure and stabilize the domestic situation. However, Washington continues to increase the intensity of restrictions, blocking Iran's access to digital and traditional financial resources.