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, citing their involvement in a violent crackdown on peaceful protests and the laundering of billions of dollars in oil revenues. The move is the latest in a series of measures taken by the US to pressure the Iranian government over its human rights record and support for extremist groups.
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 playing a key role in the government’s response to the protests, which have been ongoing since last year. The US Treasury Department alleged that Larijani was responsible for “orchestrating the Iranian government’s violent crackdown on protesters” and that he had “directly overseen the suppression of dissent” in the country.
In addition to Larijani, four regional commanders of Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces and Revolutionary Guard were also sanctioned. The commanders, who were not named, were accused of being involved in the violent suppression of protests in various parts of the country. The US Treasury Department alleged that they had “ordered the use of force against protesters, resulting in the deaths and injuries of countless innocent people”.
The sanctions also targeted several Iranian financial networks, which were accused of laundering billions of dollars in oil revenues. The US Treasury Department alleged that the networks had been used to “evade sanctions and finance the Iranian government’s support for terrorism and other malicious activities”. The move is aimed at disrupting the Iranian government’s ability to access the global financial system and to limit its ability to fund its extremist activities.
The US has been critical of the Iranian government’s handling of the protests, which were sparked by a range of grievances, including economic hardship, corruption, and human rights abuses. The government’s response to the protests has been marked by violence and repression, with thousands of people arrested and many more injured or killed.
The sanctions are the latest in a series of measures taken by the US to pressure the Iranian government over its human rights record and support for extremist groups. The US has imposed a range of sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities, including senior government officials, military commanders, and financial institutions.
The move has been welcomed by human rights groups and opposition activists, who have long called for tougher action against the Iranian government over its human rights record. However, it is likely to be met with resistance from the Iranian government, which has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs.
The sanctions are also likely to have significant economic implications for Iran, which is already struggling to cope with the impact of US sanctions on its economy. The country’s economy has been hit hard by the sanctions, which have limited its ability to access the global financial system and to export its oil.
The US has made it clear that it will continue to impose sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities until the government takes steps to address its human rights record and support for extremist groups. The move is part of a broader strategy aimed at pressuring the Iranian government to change its behavior and to comply with international norms and standards.
In conclusion, the US sanctions on Iranian security officials and financial networks are a significant development in the ongoing crisis between the US and Iran. The move reflects the US’s commitment to holding the Iranian government accountable for its human rights record and support for extremist groups. While the sanctions are likely to have significant economic implications for Iran, they are also a necessary step towards promoting human rights and stability in the region.
News Source: https://x.com/RT_com/status/2011847406325813466
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