The United States has announced fresh sanctions on Iranian officials accused of using violence to suppress protests against Iran’s theocratic government.
Washington DC: The US Treasury Department said on Thursday it has imposed new sanctions on senior Iranian officials accused of repressing protests and calling for violence against demonstrators.
Among those targeted is the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, who US authorities allege played a role in urging harsh measures against protesters.
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The sanctions also apply to 18 individuals and companies linked to what the Treasury described as a shadow banking network connected to Iranian financial institutions. US officials said the network has helped Iran evade financial restrictions and move funds outside formal banking channels.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States supports the Iranian people’s calls for freedom and justice, adding that those responsible for repression would be held accountable through financial and diplomatic pressure.
The measures block sanctioned individuals and entities from accessing US-based assets or doing business with Americans. However, US officials acknowledged that the impact is largely symbolic, as many of those targeted are not believed to hold assets in the United States.
The move reflects Washington’s continued use of sanctions to respond to human rights abuses in Iran, even as tensions remain high between the two countries over security, regional influence and domestic unrest inside Iran.
(With AFP inputs)
Published: 15 Jan 2026, 09:24 pm IST
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