US Sanctions Expand to Digital Assets in Bid to Thwart Iran Loopholes

The US has expanded its sanctions on Iran to include digital assets, marking a significant broadening of enforcement in the crypto space. The new provision explicitly targets transactions involving third parties with Iran related to digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping.

This move sends a clear message that Washington is increasingly focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain-based transactions as potential loopholes in existing sanctions regimes.

China has publicly pushed back against the new sanctions, arguing that its cooperation with Iran is lawful under international law. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China-Iran cooperation should not be subject to interference or disruption.