### US Imposes Sanctions on Iran Amid Ongoing Crackdown on Protests The United States has recently escalated its economic pressure on Iran by imposing new sanctions targeting key officials and entities linked to the Iranian government's violent suppression of protests. This move comes in response to widespread unrest that has erupted across Iran, primarily driven by public discontent over economic hardships and demands for basic rights. The sanctions specifically target senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, and institutions such as the notorious Fardis Prison, which has been implicated in human rights abuses against demonstrators. The U.S. Treasury Department's actions reflect a broader strategy to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its repressive measures against its citizens [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2587417/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iran-over-crackdown, https://www.asiaone.com/world/us-issues-new-iran-related-sanctions-us-treasury-website-shows]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Overview of Sanctions**: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and entities involved in the crackdown on protests. 2. **Details of Targeted Individuals and Institutions**: Key figures and institutions targeted by the sanctions include Ali Larijani and Fardis Prison. 3. **Context of Protests**: The protests in Iran are fueled by economic grievances and demands for human rights. 4. **U.S. Government's Position**: The U.S. government expresses support for the Iranian people's calls for freedom and justice. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Sanctioned Individuals**: The sanctions specifically name five senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme Council for National Security, who is accused of inciting violence against protesters [https://www.newkerala.com/news/a/us-imposes-new-sanctions-amid-nationwide-unrest-iran-616.htm, https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2026-01/67454378-us-sanctions-iran-against-crackdown-on-protests-020.htm]. - **Targeted Institutions**: Fardis Prison, known for its human rights violations, is also included in the sanctions list [https://www.newsmobile.in/top-story/iran-unrest-us-sanctions-fardis-prison-security-officials-over-rights-abuses]. - **Protest Context**: The protests have been ongoing since December 28, 2025, with reports of casualties and widespread unrest due to economic conditions [https://www.gulf-times.com/article/718652/international/uslatin-america/us-monitoring-iran-closely-slaps-sanctions]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Sanctions Imposed**: The U.S. has enacted new sanctions against Iranian officials and institutions in response to the violent crackdown on protests. 2. **Key Targets**: Notable figures such as Ali Larijani and institutions like Fardis Prison are specifically named in the sanctions. 3. **Protest Dynamics**: The unrest in Iran is largely driven by economic dissatisfaction and demands for basic rights, leading to a violent response from the government. 4. **U.S. Stance**: The U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed its support for the Iranian people's quest for freedom and justice, warning of severe consequences if the violence continues [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/washington-scott-bessent-treasury-department-b2901305.html, https://www.geo.tv/latest/645345-us-imposes-sanctions-on-iran-over-crackdown-on-protesters].