US Imposes Sanctions on Senior Iranian Officials and Financial Networks Amid Protest Crackdown

U.S. Imposes New Sanctions on Iranian Officials and Financial Networks

Washington, D.C. – The United States on Thursday, January 15, 2026, announced additional sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials and associated financial networks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) implemented these measures, accusing the individuals and entities of being architects of a 'brutal crackdown' on ongoing protests across Iran and of laundering illicit oil revenues.

Key Officials and Institutions Targeted

Among those sanctioned is Ali Larijani, identified as the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS). The Treasury Department stated that Larijani was 'one of the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to the legitimate demands of the Iranian people' and coordinated the regime's response to the protests on behalf of the Supreme Leader. His designation falls under Executive Order (E.O.) 13876, which targets the Supreme Leader of Iran and his affiliates.

In addition to Larijani, the sanctions also targeted other senior Iranian officials overseeing security forces, including top officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and law enforcement forces commanders. The notorious Fardis Prison was also designated for alleged human rights abuses, specifically 'cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment' of women.

Disrupting 'Shadow Banking' Operations

The U.S. Treasury further designated 18 individuals and entities involved in what it described as 'shadow banking' networks. These networks are accused of laundering billions of dollars in proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales to foreign markets, with ties to sanctioned Iranian financial institutions like Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. According to the Treasury, these funds are not used to benefit the Iranian people but rather to finance the regime's domestic repression and support for terrorist groups abroad.

Context of Widespread Protests and U.S. Stance

The sanctions come amidst widespread anti-government protests that have intensified across Iran since late December 2025. Initially sparked by economic grievances such as currency collapse and soaring inflation, the demonstrations have evolved into calls for the fall of the Islamic Republic system. Iranian security forces have reportedly responded with violence, including the use of live ammunition, tear gas, and mass arbitrary arrests, leading to reports of hospitals being overwhelmed with casualties. Authorities have also imposed internet blackouts, which human rights organizations suggest are intended to conceal the true extent of human rights violations. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that over 2,400 protesters have been killed since the protests began.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated that the United States 'stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice,' adding that the actions were taken 'at the direction of President Trump.' President Trump has also warned of 'grave consequences' if the killings of protesters continue and has threatened military intervention if Iran 'violently kills peaceful protesters.'