U.S. and EU Escalate Pressure on Iran with Sanctions Targeting Interior Minister Over Protest Crackdown

WASHINGTON — In a coordinated move amplifying international pressure, the Trump administration on Friday levied sanctions against Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, holding him directly responsible for the violent crackdown on anti-government protests that have rocked the nation. The action aligns with similar measures announced by the European Union just a day prior, signaling a rare transatlantic consensus in targeting senior Iranian officials over human rights abuses.

U.S. authorities allege that Minister Momeni, who oversees Iran's Law Enforcement Forces, is a key architect of the state response that has reportedly led to thousands of civilian deaths since the protests began in late December. What originated as demonstrations against economic hardship rapidly evolved into one of the most significant challenges to Iran's theocratic establishment in years, met with a severe and deadly clampdown.

"The regime's interior minister is not an administrator; he is a suppressor-in-chief," a senior U.S. administration official stated, speaking on condition of anonymity. "These sanctions are a direct consequence of his role in the deaths of peaceful protesters."

The EU's sanctions package, announced Thursday, also targeted Momeni alongside members of Iran's judiciary and security apparatus, stating they were "involved in the violent repression of peaceful protests and the arbitrary arrest" of activists. This dual-front pressure marks a significant escalation, moving beyond traditional nuclear-related sanctions to squarely address Iran's domestic conduct.

In a parallel action, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Iranian investor Babak Morteza Zanjani and two associated digital asset exchanges, accusing them of embezzling billions from oil revenues to benefit the government. Further measures targeted a shadow banking network of 18 individuals and firms allegedly laundering proceeds from illicit Iranian oil sales.

"Like rats on a sinking ship, the regime is frantically wiring funds stolen from Iranian families abroad," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a sharply worded statement. "We will continue to target the corrupt elites that enrich themselves at the people's expense."

The sanctions effectively freeze any U.S. assets held by the designated individuals and entities, restrict their travel, and prohibit American citizens and companies from engaging with them. Analysts view these steps as part of a broader 'maximum pressure' campaign, aiming to isolate Iran financially while highlighting its human rights record on the world stage.

The EU has also agreed, in a largely symbolic yet politically charged decision, to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization—a move long sought by Washington but resisted by several European capitals until now.

Reader Perspectives:

David Chen, Policy Analyst at the Atlantic Council: "This coordinated sanctions rollout is noteworthy. It closes a gap between U.S. and EU policy, however temporarily. Targeting the Interior Minister specifically for internal repression sets a precedent, shifting the focus from nuclear proliferation to regime behavior against its own citizens."

Anahita Rasoul, Iranian-American Human Rights Advocate: "Finally, some accountability! These sanctions name and shame the butchers in suits. But it's not enough. The world must recognize that the people of Iran are fighting for basic dignity against a brutal regime. Every official involved in this bloodshed must face consequences."

Marcus Thorne, Former Diplomat: "While symbolically important, the practical impact of asset freezes on these specific individuals is likely limited. The real question is whether this signals a deeper, sustained transatlantic strategy to support civil society in Iran, or if it remains a reactive measure. The inclusion of financial network targets suggests a more comprehensive approach is being attempted."

Leila Zadeh, Graduate Student in International Relations: "This is pure hypocrisy. The U.S. sanctions the interior minister for 'repression' while supporting allies with far worse records. It's just another tool for economic warfare that ultimately hurts ordinary Iranians more than the leadership. The protest movement is organic; this external pressure only gives the regime a nationalist excuse to crack down harder."