US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Officials Amid Protests

New Sanctions for Iran

The United States has imposed new sanctions against Iran, targeting political and security officials in response to the crackdown on protests against the government. The sanctions were announced on Tuesday and target Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, along with other officials deemed the "architects" of Tehran's "brutal" response to demonstrations.

Statements from US Officials

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "The United States stands firmly with the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice. At the direction of President Trump, the Department of Treasury is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people." These sanctions freeze the assets of the targeted individuals in the US and prohibit American citizens from doing business with them.

Protests and Trump's Rhetoric

The protests in Iran have resulted in thousands of deaths, according to activist groups. The Iranian government has labeled the protesters as "armed rioters" allegedly backed by the United States and Israel. In this context, Larijani accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of having blood on their hands, stating, "We declare the names of the main individuals responsible for killing the Iranian people: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu."

Consequences and International Reactions

Amid escalating rhetoric, a US military strike against Iran seemed imminent, but Trump later eased his stance, stating he had been informed that executions of protesters had ceased. This again suggests an intention to avoid direct conflict.