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US Slaps New Sanctions on Iran Amid Crackdown, Targets Officials and Prisons

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, and the notorious Fardis Prison for human rights abuses. The Treasury Department also designated individuals and entities tied to Iran's "shadow banking" networks used to launder proceeds from oil sales. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Donald Trump is monitoring the situation closely, warning of "grave consequences" if violence against protesters continues. The sanctions come amid ongoing nationwide unrest in Iran over economic conditions, with reported casualties ranging widely.

Key Points: US Sanctions Iran Officials, Prisons Amid Unrest

  • New US sanctions on Iranian officials
  • Fardis Prison designated for abuses
  • "Shadow banking" networks targeted
  • US warns of "grave consequences"
  • Protests continue over living costs
2 min read

US imposes new sanctions amid nationwide unrest in Iran

US imposes sanctions on Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, and the Fardis Prison, targeting repression and shadow banking networks.

"The President and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences. - White House Press Secretary"

Washington DC, January 16

Amid the nationwide unrest in Iran, the United States is sanctioning several Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security, the US Department of State said in a statement

The statement noted that, "As the brave people of Iran continue to fight for their basic rights, the Iranian regime has responded with violence and cruel repression against its own people"

"In response, the United States is designating the notorious Fardis Prison, an institution where women have endured cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment," it added.

"Simultaneously, the Department of the Treasury is sanctioning several Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS). Additionally, Treasury is designating 18 individuals and entities tied to Iran's "shadow banking" networks that have laundered proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales. This action also further implements National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 of 2025," it added.

"The United States stands with the Iranian people, who are protesting for their natural rights. The regime continues to fund destabilizing and malign activities around the world, rather than investing in the welfare of its people at home. We will continue to deny the regime access to financial networks and the global banking system while it continues to oppress the Iranian people," it noted.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (local time) said that the US President Donald Trump and his team were "closely monitoring the situation in Iran.Addressing a press briefing, White House Press Secretary said, "all options remain on the table for the President"

"The President and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences. The President understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted. The President and his team are closely monitoring this situation, and all options remain on the table for the President," the White House Press Secretary said.

This development comes amid ongoing protests in Iran over rising living costs, with authorities imposing internet restrictions. Trump had previously threatened to intervene but said on Wednesday that killings of protesters had stopped, and he'd "watch and see" about military action.

Times of Israel reported that the clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in an estimated death toll ranging from under 3,000 to over 12,000.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking to read about the Fardis Prison and the treatment of women. As an Indian, we know the value of peaceful protest and democratic rights. The world cannot stay silent when basic human dignity is violated. My prayers are with the brave people of Iran. 🙏
R
Rohit P
The US always acts like the world's police. Where were these sanctions when similar things happened in other countries? The selective outrage is so obvious. India should maintain its strategic autonomy and not get drawn into every conflict. Our foreign policy has been wise on this.
S
Sarah B
The death toll estimates are horrifying—3,000 to 12,000? That's an entire town. Cutting off "shadow banking" is a good step to pressure the regime financially. Hope it leads to real change without more bloodshed. The international community needs a unified approach.
V
Vikram M
This is ultimately about people fighting for a better life against rising costs. Very relatable for us in India too. No government should meet peaceful economic protests with violence. The regime should listen to its youth instead of suppressing them. Wishing strength to the protesters.
K
Kavya N
While the US statement sounds noble, we must remember their history of regime change that leaves countries in ruins. Iran's people must lead their own change. External pressure can help, but the solution has to come from within. A delicate balance is needed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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