U.S. Treasury Targets Iranian Minister and Businessman in Latest Sanctions Push
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday unveiled a new set of sanctions targeting Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, and businessman Babak Zanjani, in a move analysts see as part of a broader pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.
The sanctions, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, accuse Momeni of overseeing security forces responsible for the violent suppression of recent protests in Iran. "Minister Momeni is directly responsible for the brutal crackdown that has led to significant loss of life," the Treasury statement read.
Babak Zanjani, a high-profile investor, along with two UK-registered digital asset exchanges, were designated for allegedly facilitating money laundering and moving funds for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The action underscores Washington's focus on closing loopholes in the global financial system that Tehran might exploit.
This latest round of sanctions comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. The Trump administration has recently deployed additional naval assets to the region, even as it sends mixed signals about its willingness to engage in diplomacy.
"The regime is scrambling to move illicit funds abroad," Secretary Bessent said. "Like rats on a sinking ship, they are using digital assets to evade our sanctions. We will continue to target these networks wherever they operate."
The Treasury also sanctioned five other Iranian security officials for their roles in repressing domestic dissent. The coordinated action aims to isolate key figures within Iran's power structure and disrupt the flow of capital supporting its security apparatus.
Expert Commentary:
"This is a predictable escalation," says Marcus Thorne, a former State Department official and fellow at the Atlantic Council. "The administration is signaling its intent to maintain maximum pressure, regardless of diplomatic overtures. Targeting digital assets is a smart, modern move to counter evasion tactics."
"Absolutely toothless theater," retorts Leila Karimi, an Iranian-American political activist. "Sanctioning officials who will never set foot in the West does nothing for the people being beaten in the streets. It's a cynical PR move that only deepens the suffering of ordinary Iranians by further crippling the economy."
"The inclusion of the digital exchanges is significant," notes David Chen, a compliance officer at a major international bank. "It shows regulators are finally catching up to the use of crypto in sanctions evasion. This will force financial institutions worldwide to scrutinize their crypto-related clients more closely."