The United States announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials in response to the government's recent actions against peaceful demonstrators. According to a statement released today, these measures are aimed at individuals involved in violent crackdowns on protesters and an investor accused of embezzling billions from Iran’s public funds.
The statement described ongoing protests in Iran, which it attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with “47 years of catastrophic economic mismanagement.” The U.S. government criticized the Iranian leadership for prioritizing military and foreign operations over domestic needs, leading to economic hardship, inflation, and shortages of basic resources for citizens.
“We are designating six Iranian officials who oversee the Iranian security forces responsible for the violent crackdowns on protesters, as well as an Iranian investor who embezzled billions in funds from the Iranian people,” said the statement.
U.S. authorities reaffirmed their support for those protesting in Iran. “The United States supports the Iranian people in their protests against the corrupt and repressive regime in Tehran,” the statement read.
The action is part of ongoing efforts under National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which directs maximum pressure on Iran’s government to limit funding for activities considered destabilizing by U.S. officials.
Sanctions were imposed pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13553 concerning human rights abuses by the Government of Iran; E.O. 13224 addressing counterterrorism; and E.O. 13902 related to Iran’s financial sectors. Additional details are available through a press release from the Department of the Treasury.
