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Posted By Admin On February 19th, 2026

The United States has announced new sanctions against 18 Iranian officials and telecommunications industry leaders, as well as their immediate family members.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed visa restrictions on Wednesday, pursuant to his authority under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The policy now affects a total of 58 individuals who are complicit, or believed to be complicit, in serious violations of human rights, particularly suppressing Iranians’ right to free expression and peaceful assembly.

Washington repeated its condemnation of the violence and repression against tens of thousands of peaceful civilians during the widespread demonstrations in December and January 2025.

The State Department said the near-total nationwide internet shutdown, “unprecedented in scope and duration,” has restricted independent documentation of abuses and cut Iranians off from the world.

“The regime continues to restrict the ability of Iranians to exercise their basic freedoms,” a statement reads. “As President Trump has made clear, the United States stands with the Iranian people.”

The U.S. reaffirmed “unwavering support for Iranians” and their demand for peace and dignity, vowing to “expose and promote accountability for the abuses by Iranian regime officials and other individuals.”

The latest action came one day after security forces opened fire as Iranians held ceremonies marking 40 days since the January 8-9 killings during the nationwide protests.

Families of victims, friends, and thousands of mourners took part in the memorial tributes that took place in various cities, defying the authorities’ stern warnings.

At a gathering in the Kurdish town of Abdanan in Ilam province, activists and witnesses said security forces fired live rounds to disperse hundreds of mourners gathered at a cemetery.

There were also clashes and shootings in Mashhad. Videos shared online showed people scampering for safety amid gunfire. A 22-Year-Old Man, Saeed-Reza Naseri, was killed, according to Iran International.

The government, however, organized its own official ceremonies for those described as “martyrs,” including a state event at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla (Mosque) in Tehran.

In attendance were First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, and government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, among other officials.

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/18/us-presses-iran-with-new-sanctions-after-40-day-memorial-shootings/