US sanctions Khamenei aide, other Iranian officials over protest crackdown

Al JazeeraCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by Ali HarbJanuary 15, 2026 at 06:34 PM

AI Summary

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In January 2026, the United States imposed new sanctions on Iranian political and security officials, including Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The US Treasury Department stated the sanctions target individuals involved in the crackdown against anti-government protesters in Iran. These sanctions, directed by President Trump, freeze the individuals' assets in the US and prohibit American citizens from conducting business with them. The US accuses these officials of being the "architects" of Tehran's "brutal" response to demonstrations. The move comes amid heightened tensions, with Larijani accusing Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of being responsible for the deaths of Iranians. The Iranian government views the protesters as rioters incited by the US and Israel.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

US Treasury Department 50% Scott Bessent 50% Ali Khamenei 60% Israel ×360% Benjamin Netanyahu ×270% Supreme National Security Council ×270% Iran ×790% United States ×790% Donald Trump ×690% Ali Larijani ×595%

Keywords

us sanctions 90% iran 90% protest crackdown 80% iranian officials 70% anti-government protesters 60% donald trump 60% ali larijani 50% human rights 40% political sanctions 40%