The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in Washington on 15 January 2026 that it is imposing new sanctions on Iranian officials and financial networks linked to the regime’s response to peaceful protests.
The action was directed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and implemented through the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The measures target individuals and entities associated with security forces and shadow banking structures connected to petroleum and petrochemical revenue flows.
The sanctions were announced as public demonstrations continued in Iran, with the Treasury framing the action as part of its use of existing executive authorities to address human rights concerns and financial activity linked to the Iranian regime.
Treasury Announces Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of the Treasury confirmed that the Office of Foreign Assets Control issued new designations targeting Iranian officials and financial networks connected to the regime’s response to protests. The announcement was made in Washington by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and referenced direction from the President.
Additionally, the Treasury stated that the action is intended to restrict access to the U.S. financial system for designated individuals and entities. The department framed the move as part of its broader enforcement of U.S. sanctions authorities.
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals designated | Multiple senior officials | The U.S. Department of the Treasury reported new OFAC designations of Iranian officials linked to security bodies responding to protests. |
| Entities designated | Financial and trading networks | Treasury stated that entities connected to petroleum and petrochemical revenue laundering were added to the SDN List. |
Designated Iranian Officials and Security Bodies
The Treasury named Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, among the officials designated under Executive Order 13876. According to the Treasury, the designation is based on his role acting on behalf of the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Meanwhile, the department designated Mohammad Reza Hashemifar and Azizollah Maleki under Executive Order 13553 for their roles within Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces. The Treasury also designated Yadollah Buali and Nematollah Bagheri under the same authority for their positions within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Ali Larijani: Designated under Executive Order 13876, as stated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, for acting on behalf of the Supreme Leader of Iran.
- Security commanders: Treasury designated provincial commanders linked to the Law Enforcement Forces and IRGC under Executive Order 13553.
Shadow Banking and Energy Revenue Networks
The Treasury reported that it designated individuals and entities connected to what it described as shadow banking networks used to move petroleum and petrochemical revenues. According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, these networks involve front companies and financial intermediaries operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Additionally, the Treasury stated that Bank Melli- and Shahr Bank-linked structures were targeted under Executive Order 13902 for operating in Iran’s financial, petroleum, and petrochemical sectors. The department said these designations aim to disrupt revenue flows associated with sanctioned trade activity.
- Rahbar networks: OFAC stated that designated companies facilitated international transactions for Iranian banks and energy-related customers.
- Front companies: Treasury identified trading and shipping entities used to process payments and contracts tied to oil and petrochemical exports.
Legal Authorities and Executive Orders
The Treasury cited Executive Order 13553, issued in September 2010, which authorizes sanctions related to serious human rights abuses by the Government of Iran. The department also referenced Executive Order 13876, issued in June 2019, which targets the Supreme Leader of Iran and associated affiliates.
Additionally, the action was taken under Executive Order 13902, issued in January 2020, which authorizes sanctions on Iran’s financial, petroleum, and petrochemical sectors. The Treasury stated that these authorities are applied through OFAC’s administration of the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
Sanctions Implications and Compliance Requirements
The Treasury stated that all property and interests in property of designated persons that are within the United States or in the possession of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. The department also noted that entities owned 50 percent or more by blocked persons are subject to the same restrictions.
However, the Treasury emphasized that U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions involving designated parties without authorization or exemption. The department said that violations may result in civil or criminal penalties under U.S. sanctions law.
Stakeholder Comments
Secretary Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury said;
“The United States stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice. At the direction of the President, the Treasury Department is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people, and we will continue to use our authorities to target those responsible for repression and financial misconduct.”
In Conclusion
The Treasury’s January 2026 action expands the use of existing executive authorities to designate Iranian officials and financial networks linked to security forces and energy-related revenue flows. The department stated that the measures are intended to restrict access to the U.S. financial system and increase compliance obligations for U.S. persons and institutions.
Together, the designations reflect the Treasury’s continued role in implementing U.S. sanctions policy through OFAC under established legal frameworks.
Sources: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and Federal Register.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
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