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US Sanctions Iranian Officials Over Protest Crackdown
Washington: The United States has imposed significant sanctions on Iranian security officials and associated financial networks. This action follows allegations that these entities orchestrated a violent crackdown on peaceful protests, alongside laundering billions in oil revenues.
Overview of the Sanctions
– Announcement Date: Thursday, January 14, 2026
– Key Figures:
– Scott Bessent: Treasury Secretary, announced the sanctions at President Donald Trump’s direction.
– Ali Larijani: Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, accused of coordinating the protest crackdown.
Context of the Protests
– These sanctions come amidst the largest anti-government protests in the history of the Islamic Republic. Reports indicate that demonstrations have decreased recently due to increased repression and a week-long internet blackout.
– Demonstrators have faced violent responses, with hospitals overwhelmed by gunshot wound patients, limiting their ability to treat other conditions.
Details of the Actions Taken
– Individuals Sanctioned: Includes four regional commanders from Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces and Revolutionary Guard involved in the crackdown in Lorestan and Fars provinces.
– Additional Targets: 18 individuals and entities connected to “shadow banking” activities that launder proceeds from Iranian oil sales through front companies based in the UAE, Singapore, and Britain.
Impact of the Sanctions
– The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets of those designated and prohibit American citizens from engaging in business with them.
– Foreign financial institutions are at risk of secondary sanctions for engaging in transactions with the designated entities.
– This effort builds on the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran, which has seen over 875 designations in 2025 alone.
Conclusion
The U.S. sanctions against Iranian officials reflect a steadfast commitment to support the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom and justice. As the crackdown on protests continues and economic hardships escalate, these measures represent both a response to human rights abuses and an effort to pressure the Iranian regime financially.