{
  "id": 278273,
  "title": "U.S. widens Iran crypto crackdown with sanctions on two exchanges",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/u-s-widens-iran-crypto-crackdown-with-sanctions-on-two-exchanges",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-07T18:42:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CoinDesk",
    "slug": "coindesk",
    "url": "https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/08/07/u-s-widens-iran-crypto-crackdown-with-sanctions-on-two-exchanges"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned two crypto exchanges, Shelbit Exchange and Iran-based Aban Tether, for allegedly aiding Iran in moving money outside the traditional banking system, according to a Friday press release. The agency also targeted Siavash Kayvanpour and several associated companies in Georgia, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions come as part of Washington's broader effort to cut Iran off from digital asset networks and financial markets, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that the move is evidence of the effectiveness of the \"Economic Fury\" strategy. The Treasury cited evidence that IRGC-linked wallets sent over $1 million in crypto to Shelbit addresses, while over $2 million flowed from Shelbit addresses to IRGC wallets. Additionally, Aban Tether processed millions of dollars in transactions involving sanctioned Iranian exchanges, including Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex. The sanctions are part of a series of U.S. measures against Iran's crypto finance network, including the sanctioning of Zedcex and Zedxion in January and the blacklisting of Nobitex in June.",
  "summary": "The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned two crypto exchanges, Shelbit Exchange and Iran-based Aban Tether, for allegedly aiding Iran in moving money outside traditional banking systems. The sanctions target individuals and companies linked to Shelbit Exchange and Aban Tether, including Siavash Kayvanpour. The Treasury also sanctioned a network of foreign exchange houses, shell companies, and individuals involved in moving funds through Iran's shadow banking system. This marks the latest in a series of U.S. measures against Iran's crypto finance network, as the country faces increasing pressure to cut off from foreign currency and global financial markets.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Techmeme",
        "title": "The US Treasury sanctions Dubai-based unlicensed crypto exchange Shelbit, alleging it processed millions in crypto for IRGC and other Iran-linked groups (Reuters)",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/the-us-treasury-sanctions-dubai-based-unlicensed-crypto-exchange",
        "published": "2026-08-07T18:45:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "US Treasury targets crypto exchanges in new Iran sanctions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/us-treasury-targets-crypto-exchanges-in-new-iran-sanctions",
        "published": "2026-08-07T18:58:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Decrypt",
        "title": "Treasury Sanctions Crypto Exchanges It Says Laundered Millions for Iran",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/treasury-sanctions-crypto-exchanges-it-says-laundered-millions-for",
        "published": "2026-08-07T20:28:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}