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 orchestrating a violent crackdown on peaceful protests and laundering 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 terrorism.
Among those sanctioned is Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security. Larijani, a former speaker of the Iranian parliament, is a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and has played a key role in shaping Iran’s security and foreign policies. The US Treasury Department accused Larijani of overseeing the Iranian government’s “brutal repression” of protesters and dissidents.
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, are accused of leading the crackdown on protests in various parts of the country. The US Treasury Department said that the commanders had “directly participated” in the violent suppression of protests, including the use of tear gas, batons, and live ammunition against unarmed civilians.
The sanctions also target several Iranian financial networks, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). The US Treasury Department accused these companies of laundering billions of dollars in oil revenues and using the funds to support the Iranian government’s “illicit activities”, including its nuclear program and support for terrorism.
The US sanctions are the latest in a series of measures taken by the international community to pressure the Iranian government over its human rights record. The Iranian government has faced widespread criticism for its brutal suppression of protests, including the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and torture. The government has also been accused of restricting freedom of speech and assembly, and of persecuting minority groups, including women, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The protests in Iran, which began in September 2022, were sparked by the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police for wearing a hijab “improperly”. The protests quickly spread across the country, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand greater freedoms and an end to the government’s repression. The government responded with force, using violence and intimidation to try to quell the protests.
The US sanctions are a significant escalation of the pressure on the Iranian government, and are likely to have significant economic and diplomatic consequences. The sanctions will freeze the assets of those targeted and prevent them from doing business with US companies or individuals. The sanctions will also have a broader impact on the Iranian economy, which is already struggling under the weight of international sanctions and mismanagement.
The Iranian government has responded to the sanctions by accusing the US of “interfering” in its internal affairs. The government has also vowed to continue its “resistance” against US pressure, and to support its allies and proxies in the region. The sanctions are likely to further escalate tensions between the US and Iran, which have been deteriorating in recent years.
The US sanctions on Iranian security officials and financial networks are a welcome move, and demonstrate the US commitment to promoting human rights and democracy in Iran. The sanctions will help to hold the Iranian government accountable for its abuses, and will send a strong signal to the government that its actions will not be tolerated. However, the sanctions are only one part of a broader strategy to address the crisis in Iran, and must be accompanied by diplomatic efforts to support the Iranian people and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, the US sanctions on Iranian security officials and financial networks are a significant development in the ongoing crisis in Iran. The sanctions demonstrate the US commitment to promoting human rights and democracy in Iran, and will help to hold the Iranian government accountable for its abuses. However, the sanctions are only one part of a broader strategy to address the crisis in Iran, and must be accompanied by diplomatic efforts to support the Iranian people and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
News source: https://x.com/RT_com/status/2011847406325813466
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