Iran has sharply criticized the United States after Washington claimed it seized nearly $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Tehran, with Iranian officials responding through an unexpected source — William Shakespeare. The latest diplomatic clash began after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American authorities had taken control of crypto wallets connected to Iran as part of Washington’s ongoing sanctions and financial pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.

Reacting to the statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei posted a line from Shakespeare’s Macbeth on social media, comparing the US to “a dwarfish thief” wearing “a giant’s robe.” The remark was widely seen as a direct attack on Washington’s global role and its handling of Iranian assets.

The controversy erupted after Bessent revealed that US authorities had “grabbed the wallets” containing Iranian-linked cryptocurrency during a broader economic operation targeting Tehran’s financial networks. According to US officials, the move is part of “Operation Economic Fury,” a campaign designed to weaken Iran’s access to overseas revenue, banking systems, and digital assets.

Iranian officials accused the US of illegally confiscating funds belonging to the Iranian people. Tehran also argued that Washington continues to use sanctions and asset seizures as political tools while indirect talks between the two countries remain ongoing. The incident highlights how cryptocurrency has become a growing battleground in global geopolitics. Countries facing Western sanctions, including Iran, have increasingly explored digital currencies and blockchain networks to bypass restrictions tied to the traditional banking system.

Analysts say the seizure demonstrates that despite crypto’s decentralized structure, governments still possess significant power to track, freeze, and confiscate digital assets tied to sanctioned entities. The exchange also drew attention online because of Iran’s unusual use of Shakespeare during a diplomatic dispute. Social media users widely shared the quote, turning the financial conflict into a symbolic public relations battle between Tehran and Washington. The US and Iran remain locked in tensions over sanctions, regional security issues, and nuclear negotiations. The latest crypto dispute is expected to further strain relations at a time when both sides continue indirect diplomatic engagement.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AFP.