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 money laundering activities. 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 alleged 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, has been accused of playing a key role in orchestrating the government’s response to the protests, which have been ongoing since last year. The US Treasury Department said in a statement that Larijani was responsible for “ordering the violent suppression of protests” and “oversaw the deployment of security forces to crack down on demonstrators”.
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 overseeing the use of force against protesters and overseeing the arrest and detention of thousands of people. The US Treasury Department said that the commanders were responsible for “human rights abuses, including the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters”.
The sanctions also target several Iranian financial networks, which the US accuses of laundering billions of dollars in oil revenues. The networks, which include several banks and front companies, are alleged to have helped the Iranian government evade international sanctions and finance its support for terrorist groups.
The US has been critical of the Iranian government’s handling of the protests, which were sparked by a combination of economic and social grievances. The protests, which have been largely peaceful, have been met with a violent response from security forces, with hundreds of people killed and thousands more arrested. The US has called on the Iranian government to respect the rights of its citizens and to refrain from using force against peaceful protesters.
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 alleged support for terrorism. The US has imposed sanctions on several Iranian officials and entities in recent years, including the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian government has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs. The government has also accused the US of seeking to undermine its sovereignty and stability. The sanctions are likely to further strain relations between the US and Iran, which have been tense for decades.
The US has been seeking to isolate the Iranian government internationally, and has been working with its allies to impose sanctions and other measures to pressure the government to change its behavior. The European Union has also imposed sanctions on several Iranian officials and entities, citing their involvement in human rights abuses and support for terrorism.
The sanctions are also likely to have a significant impact on the Iranian economy, which is already struggling due to a combination of international sanctions and domestic mismanagement. The Iranian government has been seeking to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports, but the sanctions are likely to make this more difficult.
In conclusion, the US has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Iranian security officials and financial networks, citing their involvement in a violent crackdown on peaceful protests and money laundering activities. 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 alleged support for terrorism. The sanctions are likely to further strain relations between the US and Iran, and are likely to have a significant impact on the Iranian economy.
The situation in Iran remains complex and volatile, with ongoing protests and a government that is increasingly isolated internationally. The US and its allies will continue to monitor the situation closely, and will likely take further measures to pressure the Iranian government to respect the rights of its citizens and to refrain from supporting terrorism.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the US and Iran are on a collision course, with the US seeking to isolate the Iranian government and the Iranian government seeking to resist external pressure. The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear: the situation in Iran will continue to be a major focus of international attention in the months and years to come.
Source: https://x.com/RT_com/status/2011847406325813466
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