U.S. sanctions Iran-linked maritime firm, citing Bitcoin payments to evade restrictions

The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned HormuzSafe, an Iran-linked maritime firm, alleging that it accepted Bitcoin and other digital assets to evade U.S. restrictions and generate revenue for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). A separate report similarly describes the action as targeting firms connected to Bitcoin-related payments as part of broader Iran-related sanctions ^{[1] [2]}.

The enforcement action highlights how digital-asset payment rails are being referenced in U.S. sanctions cases involving shipping and maritime networks, according to coverage summarizing the Treasury’s rationale. Additional reporting reiterates that the designation points to Bitcoin payments as a key element in the U.S. allegations against the company ^{[3] [4]}.

The Treasury’s designation of HormuzSafe underscores the role of crypto payments in U.S. sanctions narratives tied to Iran-linked maritime activity and IRGC financing claims ^{[1] [2]}.