The U.S. Treasury Department is dramatically expanding its financial pressure campaign against Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declaring that the United States is “now entering the endgame” and launching what he called an “Economic D-Day.” The measures are designed to sever economic lifelines supporting Tehran and include secondary sanctions aimed at digital assets, technology, aviation, gold, and shipping.
Speaking on Monday, Bessent said the administration intends to “sever every economic lifeline that sustains the tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone,” and warned that “every country has a defined timeline to shut down activities we have identified.” The Treasury, State Department, and military are meeting with international stakeholders to accelerate enforcement.
Crypto is a central part of the crackdown. In June 2026, OFAC designated four major Iran-based platforms — Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex. Nobitex is Iran’s largest crypto exchange, while Ramzinex reportedly funneled $2.45 billion, including funds tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. OFAC has also targeted offshore platforms such as Zedcex, Zedxion, and Dubai-based Shelbit Exchange. CoinEx has been identified as working with the Iranian regime, though no sanctions have yet been applied.
Bessent said U.S. authorities have already seized almost $1 billion in crypto from Iran as of May. Monday’s sanctions also designated digital asset addresses, including wallets tied to Arman Kahzadian, who gained control of a wallet that held more than $30,000 worth of Bitcoin in 2023.
The broader offensive reflects Washington’s frustration that existing sanctions have not fully achieved their goals, while concerns over high oil prices, persistent inflation, and an unresolved conflict weigh on the political outlook ahead of the midterm elections.
