US sanctions Iranian security officials over ‘violent crackdown’ on protests
The United States has taken a significant step in holding Iranian security officials accountable for their role in suppressing peaceful protests in the country. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Iranian security officials and financial networks, accusing them of orchestrating a violent crackdown on protesters and laundering billions of dollars in oil revenues.
At the center of the sanctions is Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security. Larijani, a prominent figure in Iranian politics, has been accused of playing a key role in the Iranian government’s response to the protests, which have been ongoing for several months. The US government has accused Larijani of helping to coordinate the violent crackdown on protesters, which has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people and the arrest of thousands more.
In addition to Larijani, the US has also sanctioned four regional commanders of Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces and Revolutionary Guard. These commanders, who have not been named, have been accused of overseeing the violent suppression of protests in their respective regions. The US government has accused them of using excessive force against protesters, including beatings, arrests, and killings.
The sanctions also target several Iranian financial networks, which have been accused of laundering billions of dollars in oil revenues. The US government has accused these networks of helping to finance the Iranian government’s violent crackdown on protesters, as well as its other illicit activities. The sanctions are designed to prevent these networks from accessing the international financial system, making it more difficult for them to launder money and finance the Iranian government’s activities.
The US government has made it clear that the sanctions are intended to hold the Iranian government accountable for its actions. “The United States will continue to stand with the people of Iran and support their demands for freedom, justice, and accountability,” said a spokesperson for the US Department of State. “We will not hesitate to take action against those who are responsible for the violent crackdown on peaceful protests and the suppression of the Iranian people’s human rights.”
The sanctions are the latest in a series of measures taken by the US government to pressure the Iranian government over its human rights record and its support for terrorism. The US has already imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi. The US has also imposed sanctions on several Iranian companies and financial institutions, which have been accused of supporting the Iranian government’s illicit activities.
The Iranian government has responded to the sanctions by accusing the US of interfering in its internal affairs. “The US sanctions are a clear example of the US’s hostile policies towards Iran,” said a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry. “We will not be intimidated by these sanctions and will continue to defend our national interests and sovereignty.”
The US sanctions have been welcomed by human rights groups, which have accused the Iranian government of committing widespread human rights abuses. “The US sanctions are a important step towards holding the Iranian government accountable for its actions,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “We hope that other countries will follow the US’s lead and take similar action to pressure the Iranian government to respect the human rights of its citizens.”
The situation in Iran remains tense, with protests continuing to take place across the country. The US sanctions are likely to escalate tensions between the US and Iran, which have been strained for several years. However, the US government has made it clear that it will continue to support the people of Iran and pressure the Iranian government to respect their human rights.
In conclusion, the US sanctions on Iranian security officials and financial networks are a significant step towards holding the Iranian government accountable for its actions. The sanctions are designed to pressure the Iranian government to respect the human rights of its citizens and to prevent it from suppressing peaceful protests. The US government has made it clear that it will continue to support the people of Iran and take action against those who are responsible for human rights abuses.
News Source: https://x.com/RT_com/status/2011847406325813466
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