US Imposes Sanctions on Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni Kalagari Over Protest Repression

US Sanctions Iranian Interior Minister Amid Crackdown Allegations

The United States, under the Trump administration, has imposed sanctions on Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni Kalagari, citing his alleged role in the violent repression of nationwide protests. The penalties, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Friday, January 30, 2026, target Momeni Kalagari for overseeing Iran's Law Enforcement Forces (LEF), which are accused of being responsible for the deaths of thousands of peaceful protestors.

Details of the Sanctions and Accusations

The sanctions against Eskandar Momeni Kalagari stem from his position as the head of Iran's internal security apparatus. The U.S. administration asserts that the LEF, under his command, has engaged in severe human rights abuses during recent widespread demonstrations across Iran. These protests, reportedly sparked by economic hardships in late December, quickly escalated into a broader challenge against Tehran's theocratic government. Activist groups claim that the crackdown has resulted in more than 6,000 fatalities.

In addition to the Interior Minister, the Treasury Department's action also blacklisted Iranian businessman Babak Morteza Zanjani. Zanjani is accused of embezzling billions of dollars in Iranian oil revenue and laundering money for the Iranian regime. For the first time, OFAC also designated two digital asset exchanges, Zedcex and Zedxion, which are linked to Zanjani and are alleged to have processed substantial volumes of funds associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Official Statements and Broader Context

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the Iranian regime, stating that it prioritizes military and proxy expenditures over the welfare of its citizens. He affirmed that President Donald Trump has directed the Treasury to continue targeting Iranian networks and corrupt elites who 'enrich themselves at the expense of the Iranian people.' The sanctions were implemented pursuant to several Executive Orders, including E.O. 13553, which addresses serious human rights abuses by the Government of Iran; E.O. 13224, a counterterrorism authority; and E.O. 13902, targeting Iran's financial, petroleum, and petrochemical sectors.

The U.S. government reiterated its support for the Iranian people in their protests against the 'corrupt and repressive regime in Tehran.' This move signifies a continued effort by the United States to exert maximum pressure on Iran, aiming to curb its destabilizing activities and human rights violations.