The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on senior Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, as Washington escalates pressure over Tehran’s violent crackdown on protests and illicit financial activity.
In a statement on Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said Larijani, who serves as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS), was designated for his role in overseeing security decisions linked to repression of civilians.
Shadow banking network targeted
Also sanctioned are 18 individuals and entities accused of operating Iran’s so-called shadow banking networks, which U.S. authorities say launder proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales.
According to the Treasury, the networks use front companies and informal financial channels to move funds outside Iran, bypassing international restrictions and supporting state activities.
Policy framework
The action was taken under National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 (NSPM-2) of 2025, which authorises expanded measures against Iran’s leadership, revenue streams and financial infrastructure.
U.S. officials said the sanctions reflect Washington’s position that Iran’s ruling system continues to prioritise internal repression and overseas activities rather than domestic welfare.
U.S. position
In a related readout, the U.S. government said it “stands with the Iranian people”, accusing Iran’s leadership of responding to civil unrest with violence and intimidation.
The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets linked to the designated individuals and prohibit American persons and entities from engaging in transactions with them.
