US Senators Concerned About Iran’s Use of Cryptocurrencies to Finance Terrorism
US Senators have expressed concern about Iran’s use of cryptocurrencies to bypass international sanctions and finance terrorist groups. In a letter to key members of President Joe Biden’s administration, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, lawmakers called for urgent action to investigate this threat.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Angus King emphasized that the Iranian government is actively using proceeds from cryptocurrency mining to finance terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah. They believe that these actions pose a direct threat to US national security, as these funds are directed towards attacks on allies, including Israel. Senators also recalled the recent attack in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of three American service members, which, they say, may have been linked to cryptocurrency funding.
In their letter, lawmakers demand that the Biden administration provide information on the income of Iranian crypto miners and how digital assets are being used for money laundering. They strongly urge the development of measures to prevent further use of cryptocurrencies for violating international sanctions and financing terrorist acts.
Elizabeth Warren, known for her critical stance on cryptocurrencies, has also recently expressed concern about the use of cryptocurrencies such as USDT (Tether) by countries subject to international sanctions, including Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Senators believe that increased oversight and the development of effective measures are necessary to prevent such abuses.
