Washington targets top Iranian leaders over crackdown on protesters and shadow banking network
Washington/Tehran: The United States has imposed sanctions on five senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, over alleged involvement in the violent crackdown on protesters and ongoing suppression of civil liberties in Iran. The sanctions also target 18 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s shadow banking network, including front companies based in the UAE, UK, and Singapore.
According to a statement from the US Department of the Treasury, the sanctioned officials include commanders from the Supreme National Security Council, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and law enforcement agencies directly involved in the repression of protests. The officials named are Ali Larijani, Mohammad Reza Hashemi Far, Nematullah Bagheri, Azizullah Maleki, and Yadollah Bouali.
The Treasury Department said these officials and shadow banking actors were involved in money laundering operations to conceal revenues generated from Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports in foreign markets. This network has reportedly moved funds through global banks, undermining US sanctions and accountability measures.
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, in a video message, warned that the Treasury is closely tracking Iranian leadership’s attempts to transfer wealth abroad. “As President Trump said, those profiting from oppression cannot hide,” Bessent stated, adding that the US is determined to trace misappropriated funds and hold those responsible accountable.
The sanctions mark the first concrete US action following President Trump’s threats against Iran, signaling continued pressure on Tehran to cease human rights violations and respect civil liberties. The Treasury emphasized that the measures are intended to support the Iranian people and ensure accountability for those behind the government’s brutal crackdown on protesters.
Analysts note that these sanctions could have both political and financial implications, as they directly target Iran’s leadership and financial networks, potentially impacting the country’s international trade and banking operations. Observers also suggest that this move is likely to increase tensions between Washington and Tehran, especially amid ongoing disputes over regional influence and nuclear developments.
The US government reiterated its commitment to standing with the Iranian population advocating for freedom and justice, warning that any attempt to evade sanctions will be closely monitored and addressed.
These sanctions demonstrate the US strategy of targeted economic pressure, focusing on individuals responsible for human rights violations and shadow financial operations, rather than broad-based measures affecting the general population.
