The Trump administration is imposing new visa restrictions on Iranian officials and telecommunications executives following the regime’s crackdown on nationwide protests, the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday.
In accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio “is taking steps to impose visa restrictions against 18 Iranian regime officials and telecommunications industry leaders, as well as their immediate family members,” Tommy Piggott, the department’s principal deputy spokesperson, stated.
“The Iranian regime has unleashed violence and repression against tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators,” Piggott stated.
“The regime imposed a near-total nationwide internet shutdown, unprecedented in scope and duration, that severely restricted independent documentation of abuses and cut Iranians off from the world,” he added. “Even today, the regime continues to restrict the ability of Iranians to exercise their basic freedoms.”
The policy targets individuals believed to be involved in serious human-rights violations, including actions that undermine freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. With the latest designations, 58 people are now subject to U.S. visa restrictions under the measure.
Piggott said the United States “stands with the Iranian people” and reaffirmed support for their calls for dignity and basic freedoms.
