The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials and financial networks involved in suppressing peaceful protests and facilitating illicit financial activities. The move comes as demonstrations continue across Iran, with citizens demanding greater freedoms and economic stability.
“The United States stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “At the direction of President Trump, the Treasury Department is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people. Treasury will use every tool to target those behind the regime’s tyrannical oppression of human rights.”
Among those sanctioned is Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS), who was among the first to advocate violence against protesters. OFAC also designated 18 individuals and entities connected to shadow banking operations that launder proceeds from Iranian petroleum sales through sanctioned institutions such as Bank Melli and Shahr Bank.
These networks have enabled billions of dollars in transactions for state-run entities like the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Central Bank of Iran. Rather than benefiting ordinary Iranians—who face high inflation and budget deficits—the funds are used to finance repression at home and support groups abroad.
The sanctions are issued under several executive orders: E.O. 13553 addresses serious human rights abuses by Iran’s government; E.O. 13876 targets affiliates of Iran’s Supreme Leader; E.O. 13902 focuses on Iran’s financial, petroleum, and petrochemical sectors.
In 2025 alone, OFAC sanctioned over 875 persons, vessels, and aircraft as part of its ongoing campaign against these networks.
Senior security officials targeted include Mohammad Reza Hashemifar (Law Enforcement Forces commander in Lorestan Province), Nematollah Bagheri (IRGC commander in Lorestan Province), Azizollah Maleki (LEF commander in Fars Province), and Yadollah Buali (IRGC commander in Fars Province). These officials are accused of overseeing violent crackdowns resulting in numerous deaths and injuries since protests began in December 2025.
Bank Melli’s network uses cover companies such as Nikan Pezhvak Aria Kish Company in Iran and Empire International Trading FZE in the UAE to facilitate international payments through front companies across multiple jurisdictions. Since 2024, this network processed large sums for major state actors using complex methods including falsified invoices.
Similarly, Shahr Bank relies on HMS Trading FZE—a UAE-based front company—and Tejarat Hermes Energy Qeshm to manage oil exports via a web of shell companies operating internationally. Additional firms involved include Shine Road Trading FZE, Crystal Gas FZE, Turkiz Fuel Trading LLC, Desert Pulse Trading FZE, Limonium Petrochemicals Trading LLC SOC, Naviera Shipping and Trading FZ LLC, and UK-based Nanshan Ltd., all designated for roles within Iran's petroleum sector.
As a result of these actions, any property or interests belonging to designated individuals or entities within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging with them unless authorized by OFAC regulations or exemptions apply. Violations may lead to civil or criminal penalties under strict liability standards enforced by OFAC guidelines.
Secretary Bessent emphasized that “the ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish but to bring about a positive change in behavior.” Information on seeking removal from OFAC lists is available through official guidance channels.
