US Expands Sanctions to Iran’s Digital Asset Sector, Citing $100M in Oil‑Linked Crypto Payments

The U.S. Treasury announced new sectoral sanctions that extend to Iran’s digital asset ecosystem, alleging that cryptocurrency was used to evade existing restrictions on Iranian oil revenues.

Sector‑wide sanctions framework

OFAC issued determinations covering digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, and added nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels linked to Iran’s nuclear, missile, cyber and oil networks.

Alleged crypto facilitation of oil sales

The Treasury claims a UAE‑based broker, identified as Ivan Obukhov of Foscom FZE, processed over $100 million in crypto payments since 2023 on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force to support oil transactions.

Broader enforcement trend

Earlier 2026 actions targeted specific exchanges and wallets, including UK‑registered Zedcex and Zedxion in January, four Iranian exchanges in June, and the Shelbit and Aban Tether platforms in August, which were accused of moving $5 million in digital assets linked to Iran.

Implications for foreign actors

Under Executive Order 13902, any person or entity operating in Iran’s digital asset sector may face sanctions, including asset blocking and restrictions on foreign banks that facilitate significant transactions for designated parties.