US targets Iranian crypto exchanges

On June 2, 2026 the U.S. Treasury announced a new package of Iran-related sanctions targeting activity in the digital asset sector. The measures focus on four Iran-based digital asset exchanges and four Iranian nationals, as part of an effort to disrupt financing linked to Tehran.

The exchanges named in the action are Nobitex, Bitpin, Ramzinex and Wallex. Treasury described the designations as part of its broader use of sanctions tools to address risks associated with Iran’s financial system and to limit designated parties’ access to the U.S. financial system.

Treasury said it used two primary legal authorities for the new listings: Executive Order 13224 and Executive Order 13902. Executive Order 13224 is a counterterrorism authority, while Executive Order 13902 targets persons operating in Iran’s financial sector.

By invoking these executive orders, Treasury framed the action as part of its counterterrorism and Iran financial-sector sanctions architecture. The designations subject the named exchanges and individuals to U.S. blocking sanctions and related restrictions.

Among the four Iranian nationals designated, Treasury identified specific executives and owners linked to Nobitex. Those named include Nobitex chief executive Amir Hossein Rad and two co‑founders identified as Seyed Mohammad Ali Aghamir Mohammad Ali and Seyed Mohammad Aghamir Mohammad Ali.

These individuals were listed alongside the four exchanges in the Iran-related designations. Treasury presented the move as holding both platforms and responsible persons accountable under existing U.S. sanctions authorities.

Treasury stated that the designations block all U.S. property interests of the listed entities and individuals. Any property or interests in property of these parties that come within the United States or the possession or control of U.S. persons are subject to blocking.

The department also warned that foreign financial institutions or other persons that engage in certain transactions with the listed exchanges may themselves face sanctions exposure. This creates potential secondary sanctions risk for global counterparties that continue specified dealings with the designated firms.

Treasury officials framed the action as intended to hold digital asset platforms and individuals accountable under U.S. sanctions authorities. The department emphasized its use of these tools to curtail the designated parties’ access to the U.S. financial system.

Officials also highlighted that the measures are designed to deter foreign financial institutions and other market participants from facilitating transactions with the listed exchanges and individuals. The June 2, 2026 designations underscore Treasury’s focus on Iran-related activity in the digital asset space.