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Sanctions –  Britain has introduced a new round of sanctions against senior Iranian officials and one organization, citing their alleged involvement in the handling of recent unrest across Iran. The announcement was made through an official statement issued by the UK Foreign Office, underscoring London’s continued response to developments inside the country.

Officials and Security Figures Named in Sanctions

According to the statement, the sanctions target ten individuals along with a single organization. Among those named is Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who oversees internal security and law enforcement operations. Also included are Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, the police chief in Lorestan Province, and Seyed Majid Feiz Jafari, head of the Public Security Police.

The list further includes Yadollah Bouali, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unit in Fars Province. Several other individuals from Iran’s military and judicial structures were also added, though authorities did not release additional operational details regarding their specific roles.

Sanctions Build on Existing UK Measures

British officials noted that the latest designations expand on an already extensive sanctions framework. To date, the United Kingdom has imposed more than 550 sanctions related to Iran, covering individuals, entities, and institutions. These measures include sanctions applied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a whole, reflecting the UK’s longstanding stance toward Iran’s security apparatus.

The Foreign Office said the cumulative actions are intended to apply pressure while signaling international concern over how unrest has been addressed inside Iran.

Alignment With US and European Actions

The move comes shortly after similar steps were taken by the United States and the European Union, indicating coordinated action among Western governments. While each jurisdiction maintains its own sanctions mechanisms, officials have emphasized shared objectives centered on accountability and respect for civil rights.

Diplomatic sources say the timing of the announcements reflects growing international scrutiny following weeks of demonstrations that have drawn widespread attention.

Background of Protests Across Iran

The unrest began in late December, when protests emerged in several Iranian cities following a sharp decline in the value of the national currency, the rial. What started as peaceful demonstrations over economic conditions gradually spread and intensified, with some areas experiencing clashes between protesters and security forces.

Reports indicated that the unrest resulted in injuries and fatalities, alongside damage to public infrastructure. Buildings affected during the disturbances reportedly included mosques, government offices, and financial institutions.

UK Government Response and Rationale

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the measures were introduced in response to what she described as severe actions taken against demonstrators. She stated that many Iranians had shown significant resolve by participating in protests despite the risks involved.

Cooper also referenced widely circulated images and reports of violence, describing them as deeply troubling. She said the sanctions aim to ensure that Iranian authorities are held responsible for their response to the demonstrations.

British officials have reiterated that the measures are not directed at the Iranian population, but rather at those deemed responsible for decisions made during the crackdown.

Iran Rejects External Criticism

Tehran has consistently denied responsibility for unrest, instead attributing the protests to foreign interference. Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of fueling instability within the country.

In a related development, Iran also criticized a recent resolution adopted by the European Parliament, dismissing it as interference in its internal affairs. Iranian authorities described the resolution as inappropriate and politically motivated.

As diplomatic tensions continue, observers say further international responses may depend on developments on the ground and the trajectory of protests within Iran.