Washington warns banks: the IRGC network accused of massively circumventing US sanctions

The United States issued a warning to international financial institutions on Monday, cautioning them against attempts by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to circumvent US sanctions. This alert comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran and fears of a resumption of hostilities.

The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the Treasury Department, indicated that this warning aims to help banks identify funding channels used to support the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its affiliated structures.

According to US authorities, the IRGC uses a network of shell companies, digital asset infrastructure, and various financial service providers to circumvent existing sanctions. These complex mechanisms allow it to conceal the origin and destination of funds.

FinCEN states that transactions related to digital assets in Iran reach several billion dollars annually, citing industry estimates. A portion of these flows is believed to be directly or indirectly linked to Iranian government entities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the alert.

This warning comes as the American president Donald Trump recently stated that a ceasefire with Iran was "on life support" after Tehran rejected a US peace proposal. These statements have reignited concerns about a resumption of the conflict, which has lasted for several weeks and has already caused heavy casualties and energy disruptions.

Meanwhile, Washington has intensified its economic pressure on Iran by announcing new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of helping the country procure weapons and components for its drone and ballistic missile programs. The US authorities intend to further complicate the financing capabilities of the Iranian military network.