US sanctions Iranian security officials over ‘violent crackdown’ on protests
The United States has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Iranian security officials and financial networks, accusing them of playing a key role in the violent suppression of peaceful protests in the country. The sanctions, which were announced recently, target individuals and entities that the US claims have been responsible for orchestrating a brutal crackdown on dissent and laundering billions of dollars in oil revenues.
Among those sanctioned is Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security. Larijani, a prominent figure in Iranian politics, has been accused of overseeing the country’s security apparatus and playing a key role in the suppression of protests. The US Treasury Department, which imposed the sanctions, described Larijani as a “key architect” of Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters.
In addition to Larijani, four regional commanders of Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces and Revolutionary Guard were also sanctioned. These individuals, who have not been named, are accused of being responsible for the violent suppression of protests in various regions of the country. The US Treasury Department accused them of using “excessive force” against protesters, including beatings, arrests, and killings.
The sanctions also target several financial networks that the US claims have been used to launder billions of dollars in oil revenues. These networks, which include banks, front companies, and other entities, are accused of helping the Iranian government to evade international sanctions and finance its security apparatus.
The US has been critical of Iran’s human rights record, particularly in recent months, as protests have swept the country. The protests, which were sparked by a variety of grievances, including economic hardship, corruption, and social injustice, have been met with a violent response from the Iranian security forces. The US and other Western countries have condemned the Iranian government’s response, accusing it of violating the human rights of its citizens.
The sanctions imposed by the US are the latest in a series of measures aimed at pressuring the Iranian government to change its behavior. The US has already imposed a range of sanctions on Iran, including sanctions on its oil exports, banking sector, and military. The sanctions have had a significant impact on the Iranian economy, which has been struggling in recent years.
The Iranian government has responded to the sanctions by accusing the US of interfering in its internal affairs. Iran’s foreign ministry has described the sanctions as “unlawful” and “inhumane,” and has accused the US of trying to destabilize the country. The Iranian government has also vowed to continue its crackdown on protests, which it claims are being fueled by foreign powers.
The situation in Iran remains tense, with protests continuing to erupt in various parts of the country. The US and other Western countries are likely to continue to pressure the Iranian government to change its behavior, particularly with regards to its human rights record. The sanctions imposed by the US are a significant escalation of this pressure, and are likely to have a major impact on the Iranian economy and political landscape.
In conclusion, the US has imposed sanctions on Iranian security officials and financial networks, accusing them of orchestrating a violent crackdown on peaceful protests and laundering billions in oil revenues. The sanctions, which target high-ranking officials and entities, are the latest in a series of measures aimed at pressuring the Iranian government to change its behavior. The situation in Iran remains tense, with protests continuing to erupt and the US and other Western countries likely to continue to pressure the government to respect the human rights of its citizens.
News source: https://x.com/RT_com/status/2011847406325813466