The US Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned the UK-based crypto exchanges Zedcex Ltd. and Zedxion Ltd. on January 30, 2026, for their involvement in Iran’s financial sector and links to the IRGC.
OFAC’s unprecedented sanctions on digital asset platforms could impact Iran’s economy significantly, raising concerns over the use of cryptocurrencies in bypassing international financial restrictions.
Zedcex and Zedxion Hit with US Sanctions
The United States has sanctioned two UK-registered crypto exchanges for their operations linked to Iran. This action marks OFAC’s first designation against digital asset platforms within Iran’s financial sector. You can find more information about the Iran sanctions program.
Zedcex Exchange Ltd. and Zedxion Exchange Ltd. were targeted due to their transactions benefiting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The sanctions highlight OFAC’s commitment to combating financial cells linked to terror activities. As Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted, “This includes the regime’s attempts to exploit digital assets to evade sanctions and finance cybercriminal operations. Like rats on a sinking ship, the regime is frantically wiring funds stolen from Iranian families to banks and financial institutions around the world.”
Zedcex Faces Fallout from $94 Billion Transactions
The sanctions significantly impact Zedcex, which processed over $94 billion in transactions since 2022. Although no specific funding allocations were detailed, the effect on the TRX network could be profound.
Regulatory outcomes may include tighter scrutiny of crypto exchanges involved with similar transactions. Historical precedents suggest evolving dynamics between crypto operations and international sanction policies as digital assets permeate global finance. For more details on Treasury Department sanctions, refer to this press release.
Past Iran Crypto Sanctions and Market Effects
Similar sanctions were imposed in 2025 against Iran-based wallets used for evading international sanctions. These actions reflect a continued strategy to curb illicit financial networks through digital asset channels, as highlighted in OFAC’s statement: “This marks OFAC’s first designation of a digital asset exchange for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy.”
Experts suggest that the tightening measures may limit financial freedom but simultaneously check illicit activities. Observers predict long-term impacts on digital asset regulation strategies and market adaptations. For a deeper understanding of OFAC’s actions, their FAQs are a helpful resource.
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