Amid escalating nationwide protests in Iran, the United States has imposed sanctions on several Iranian security officials and institutions, citing violent repression by the country’s leadership. The US Department of State confirmed the move in a statement on Thursday, naming Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS), among those targeted.
“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,” the State Department said.
As part of the action, the US designated Fardis Prison, describing it as a facility where women have been subjected to “cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.” The department said the sanctions reflect Washington’s response to ongoing abuses carried out by Iranian authorities against protesters.
In parallel, the US Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against multiple Iranian security officials, including Larijani. Treasury also designated 18 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow banking” networks, which US officials say have laundered proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales. According to the statement, the move further implements National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 of 2025.
“The United States stands with the Iranian people, who are protesting for their natural rights,” the statement said. “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.”
The White House said President Donald Trump is closely watching developments in Iran. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration has issued clear warnings to Tehran.
“The President and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences,” Leavitt said. She added that Trump had been informed that 800 executions, which were reportedly scheduled to take place earlier this week, had been halted.
“The President and his team are closely monitoring this situation, and all options remain on the table for the President,” she said.
The latest measures come as protests continue across Iran over rising living costs, with authorities responding by imposing internet restrictions in several regions. Trump had earlier threatened intervention but said on Wednesday that the killings of protesters had stopped, adding that he would “watch and see” regarding potential military action.
According to The Times of Israel, clashes between demonstrators and Iranian security forces have led to an estimated death toll ranging from under 3,000 to more than 12,000, highlighting the severity of the unrest.
