UK, US, and EU Hit Iran with Fresh Sanctions Over Brutal Crackdown
The UK, US, and EU have today slapped new sanctions on senior Iranian regime officials linked to widespread human rights abuses, including key figures from the notorious Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Over 70 New Targets Added to Sanctions List
Since October 2022, the UK alone has designated more than 70 Iranian officials and entities for violent crackdowns on protestors. The total UK sanctions targeting Iran now exceed 300, with the entire IRGC, the Iranian Prosecutor General, and the Morality Police facing restrictions.
Monthly Sanctions Crackdown on Regime’s Atrocities
In a coordinated effort, the UK, US, and EU have imposed monthly sanctions to punish Tehran’s brutal repression. The latest round targets four IRGC commanders responsible for ordering forces to open fire on unarmed protestors — killing numerous civilians, including children — and overseeing arbitrary arrests and torture.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly Fires Off
“The Iranian regime are responsible for the brutal repression of the Iranian people and for exporting bloodshed around the world. That’s why we have more than 300 sanctions in place on Iran, including on the IRGC in its entirety.
“The UK and our international partners are again making clear today that we will not overlook the regime’s brutal oppression. We will continue to take a range of action to hold the regime to account for its actions.”
Who’s On The Blacklist?
- Mohammad Nazar Azimi – IRGC Commander Najaf Ashraf West HQ, led violent crackdowns in Kermanshah Province; IRGC forces used machine guns on peaceful protestors, causing multiple deaths.
- Habib Shahsavari – IRGC Commander in West Azerbaijan Province, suppressed protests in Mahabad and Piranshahr with heavy weapons; IRGC accused of torture-related deaths in detention.
- Mohsen Karimi – IRGC Commander Markazi Province, involved in repression causing death of 19-year-old protestor Mehrshad Shahidi in custody; also arrested women defying hijab rules.
- Ahmad Kadem – IRGC Commander of Operational Base Karbala, led crackdown in Izeh, Khuzestan Province, where a 10-year-old was fatally shot; implicated in abduction and torture death of a child labour activist.
UK Leads Global Push to Shame Tehran
The UK has spearheaded international efforts to hold Iran’s regime accountable, from helping expel Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women to backing a UN-led probe into the state’s violent response to protests.
Under these sanctions, designated individuals face travel bans to the UK and asset freezes, further choking the Iranian regime’s ability to operate internationally.
