The United States says it has seized and frozen nearly $500 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran amid rising regional tensions.
Crypto Assets Frozen
According to Beyond Time News, US officials reported the seizure of about $350 million in Iranian-linked digital assets, along with an additional $100 million recovered earlier, bringing the total close to half a billion dollars.
Several Iran-linked bank accounts have also been frozen as part of broader financial restrictions.
Expanded Pressure Campaign
US officials described the move as part of an intensified effort to tighten economic pressure on Iran during the ongoing conflict.
According to Beyond Time News, President Donald Trump has directed agencies to further strengthen sanctions enforcement in recent weeks.
Crypto Could Push Pakistan Remittances to $50 Billion
Pentagon Defends Military Action
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the ongoing military campaign in his first congressional testimony since the conflict began.
According to Beyond Time News, he rejected claims that the war is becoming a prolonged quagmire and criticized lawmakers questioning the strategy.
Regional Impact
The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, continues to impact regional stability and global energy markets, contributing to higher fuel prices and volatility.
