US Sanctions Iranian Officials Over Protest Crackdown, Oil Revenue Laundering
The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against Iranian security officials and financial networks, accusing them of driving a brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrations while laundering billions in oil revenues, according to Reuters.
Protest Crackdown
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures in response to the largest anti-government protests ever witnessed in Tehran.
However, the demonstrations have increased in recent days due to sweeping crackdown and an internet blackout that has stretched nearly a week.
“The United States stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice,” Bessent said in a statement, noting that the action was taken at President Donald Trump‘s direction.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, is among those sanctioned, with the US accusing him of orchestrating the crackdown and urging the use of force against protesters.
Four regional commanders from Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces and the Revolutionary Guard were also sanctioned, accused of spearheading the crackdown in Lorestan and Fars provinces.
The Treasury added that security forces in Fars “have killed countless peaceful demonstrators,” leaving hospitals so overwhelmed with gunshot wound patients that they can no longer admit other patients.
Oil Revenue Laundering
Moreover, the Treasury blacklisted 18 individuals and entities accused of running “shadow banking” networks that launder Iranian oil revenues through front companies in the UAE, Singapore, and Britain.
Through cover firms and exchange houses, these networks channel billions of dollars each year at a time when Iranian citizens face deepening economic hardship.
In 2025 alone, the Treasury imposed sanctions on over 875 individuals, vessels, and aircraft as part of the effort, it noted.
The sanctions are part of the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
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