US sanctions Iranian officials accused of repressing protests against the government
The U.S. is imposing new sanctions on Iranian officials accused of repressing protests against Iran’s theocratic government. The Treasury Department on Thursday targeted the secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security for allegedly calling for violence against protesters. The sanctions also affect 18 people and companies involved in a shadow banking network linked to Iranian financial institutions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday the U.S. supports the Iranian people’s call for freedom and justice. The sanctions block access to U.S. assets and business but are mostly symbolic as many targets lack U.S. funds. Iran’s foreign minister tells Fox News Channel “terrorist elements led from outside” Iran made the protests turn violent.