The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on January 30, 2026 in Washington that it has designated senior Iranian security officials, a prominent businessman, and two UK-registered digital-asset exchanges. The move names Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni Kalagari, multiple IRGC and Law Enforcement Forces commanders, Babak Morteza Zanjani, and the exchanges Zedcex Exchange Ltd. and Zedxion Exchange Ltd. as involved in human rights abuses and in facilitating sanctions evasion. The designations were issued under Executive Orders 13553, 13224, and 13902 and carry U.S. legal and financial restrictions for listed parties.
OFAC Sanctions Announcement
OFAC said the two UK-registered exchanges were targeted for facilitating transfers tied to IRGC-linked counterparties, and the agency highlighted the broader use of digital assets to evade sanctions. According to the announcement, Zedcex processed over $94 billion since 2022; the actions block all U.S. property and generally prohibit transactions with designated persons, which may expose violators to civil or criminal penalties. For additional coverage of the listings, see sanctions against Zedcex and Zedxion.
Designated Entities and Financial Impact
The designations name specific Iranian officials and security commanders alongside Babak Morteza Zanjani and the two exchanges, linking them to human rights abuses and sanctions evasion. OFAC’s statement and the accompanying measures make clear that U.S.-based property and transactions involving the listed entities are subject to blocking and prohibitions. For wider context on digital-asset use in Iran, see reporting such as Bitcoin in Iran.
Legal and Enforcement Measures
Designations are made under Executive Orders 13553, 13224 and 13902 and are enforced under U.S. jurisdictional authority; the announcement notes potential civil and criminal penalties for violations. OFAC also stated that U.S. persons must report blocked assets to the agency and that enforcement will proceed consistent with applicable law. These measures are intended to close channels used to move funds in ways the Treasury deems sanctionable.
Treasury's Strategic Rationale
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent condemned the regime’s violence and emphasized the department’s readiness to act, saying “Treasury will act.” OFAC highlighted the role of digital assets in sanctions evasion and referenced guidance intended to support Iranian internet access. For broader reading on crypto-related sanctions issues, see crypto for weapons as part of the wider sanctions context.
Why this matters
If you run mining equipment in Russia, this announcement may not affect you directly unless you interact with the named exchanges, the listed individuals, or counterparties they serviced. The immediate legal effects apply primarily to U.S. persons and to property or transactions subject to U.S. jurisdiction, but secondary effects can touch service availability and on‑ramps that miners use to convert crypto to fiat. It is therefore practical to check whether any platforms you use are referenced in OFAC listings.
Even without a direct link to the designated parties, miners should be aware that sanctions actions can change which exchanges or gateways are willing to process certain flows. At a minimum, keep records of counterparties and payment routes, and be cautious about sending funds to unfamiliar platforms that might have regulatory exposure.
What to do?
- Check exchanges and counterparties: verify whether an exchange or counterparty appears on OFAC’s list before sending funds or converting assets.
- Avoid transactions with designated parties: do not send funds to the named individuals or to Zedcex / Zedxion if you can reasonably avoid it.
- If you are a U.S. person or hold U.S.-connected assets: report any blocked assets to OFAC as required and seek compliance guidance.
- Keep detailed records: maintain transaction logs and counterparty details to help assess exposure or respond to inquiries.
- Seek legal or compliance advice if unsure: consult counsel familiar with sanctions law when you have cross-border counterparties or U.S. connections.
