U.S. Treasury Sanctions Key Figures Behind Iran’s Crackdown on Protesters as Washington Targets Human Rights Abuses
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday imposed new sanctions on senior Iranian officials and security-linked entities, accusing them of orchestrating violent crackdowns against protesters during ongoing nationwide unrest. The move marks Washington’s latest effort to hold Tehran accountable for alleged human rights violations and repression of civil dissent.
According to Treasury officials, the targeted individuals are linked to Iran’s internal security apparatus and intelligence networks that have played a central role in detaining activists, suppressing demonstrations, and restricting internet access during periods of unrest. The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets and bar American individuals and companies from conducting business with the designated parties.
The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury said the measures were designed to “send a clear message” that abuses against civilians and peaceful demonstrators will not go unanswered. The administration emphasised that the actions are part of a broader strategy to support the Iranian people’s right to free expression and peaceful assembly.
The announcement comes amid renewed protests across multiple Iranian cities, driven by economic hardship, political frustration, and long-standing demands for reform. Human rights groups have reported mass arrests, injuries, and the use of force by security personnel in recent weeks, intensifying international scrutiny of Tehran’s response.
Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected Western criticism, calling the sanctions politically motivated and accusing Washington of interfering in domestic affairs. In previous cases, Tehran has responded to similar actions by imposing countermeasures or limiting diplomatic engagement.
Analysts say the latest sanctions could further strain already fragile U.S.-Iran relations, which remain tense over nuclear negotiations, regional security concerns, and ongoing disputes in the Middle East. While sanctions are unlikely to produce immediate policy shifts in Tehran, experts note they add to mounting economic and diplomatic pressure.
The U.S. government signalled that additional steps could follow if the crackdown continues, urging international partners to coordinate efforts aimed at accountability. As protests persist, the situation remains fluid, with global attention focused on how Iranian authorities respond in the coming days.
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