US Sanctions Iranian Officials Over Violent Protest Crackdown

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iranian officials and institutions accused of playing central roles in the violent suppression of nationwide protests. The move reinforces Washington’s position of support for the Iranian people while increasing pressure on Tehran’s leadership.

The sanctions focus on five senior Iranian officials, including the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, as well as high-ranking commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and national law enforcement agencies. US authorities described these individuals as key figures responsible for directing security forces during the crackdown on demonstrators.

In addition to individuals, the measures also target Fardis Prison, a detention facility alleged to be the site of severe mistreatment of detainees, particularly women. US officials cited reports of inhumane and degrading conditions, further highlighting concerns over systemic human rights abuses.

US Treasury officials warned that they are actively tracking financial activities linked to Iran’s leadership, including alleged overseas fund transfers. The US stressed that those responsible for repression could still reverse course by ending violence and responding to public demands for reform and accountability.

Separate sanctions were also imposed on 18 individuals accused of laundering revenue from Iranian oil and petrochemical sales through informal and shadow banking systems connected to already sanctioned financial institutions. These actions aim to disrupt financial networks believed to support the Iranian government.

While Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately comment, Iranian officials have repeatedly blamed foreign actors for fueling unrest. At the same time, Iran’s president acknowledged economic strain and public dissatisfaction, pointing to efforts aimed at curbing corruption, stabilizing currency markets, and improving living conditions for lower-income citizens.

The protests initially erupted over rising prices and worsening economic conditions before growing into one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s ruling establishment in decades. Thousands of casualties have been reported since the unrest began.

The latest sanctions are part of Washington’s renewed “maximum pressure” strategy, designed to restrict Iran’s oil revenues, dismantle financial networks tied to the government, and prevent the country from advancing nuclear weapons capabilities—claims that Tehran continues to deny.