U.S. Sanctions Key Financial Network Supporting Iran's Supreme Leader

The U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Thursday targeting individuals and entities accused of financing Iran's ruling regime and helping senior officials maintain access to global assets.

According to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctions focus on Ali Ansari, who is accused of overseeing an extensive international asset network that benefits Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other members of the regime's elite.

Treasury: Regime Elites Will Face Financial Isolation

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Iranian leadership continues to shield itself while the regime faces mounting pressure.

"The so-called Supreme Leader is hiding while the regime continues to unravel. The Treasury Department will continue using every available tool to isolate him and other regime elites from the global financial system," Bessent said.

Exchange Houses and Front Companies Targeted

OFAC also announced sanctions against three major Iranian exchange houses and individuals involved in their management. U.S. officials say the businesses used front companies and other deceptive methods to conceal the Iranian regime's illicit financial activities and move funds internationally.

The latest measures are part of Washington's ongoing effort to increase financial pressure on Iran's leadership and disrupt networks that support the regime's operations around the world.