By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The United States government escalated its pressure campaign against Tehran on Thursday, imposing new sanctions on key Iranian security and banking officials. The move comes in response to what Washington describes as a brutal crackdown on peaceful protests and a sophisticated scheme to launder billions in oil revenue.
The sanctions target several high-ranking individuals, including Ali Larijani, the influential Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, along with various regional officials. This action by the U.S. Department of the Treasury aims to penalize those it holds responsible for orchestrating human rights abuses and for circumventing international financial regulations to prop up the regime.
To delve into the intricate legal and commercial ramifications of the new sanctions imposed on Iran, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in international trade and compliance from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent tightening of sanctions against Iran creates significant compliance hurdles, not just for multinational corporations, but for any business with international supply chains. Companies, even those in Costa Rica, must now exercise extreme due diligence to ensure their commercial partners, financial intermediaries, and even shipping routes are not directly or indirectly linked to sanctioned entities. The risk of secondary sanctions means that what seems like a distant geopolitical issue can have immediate and severe financial consequences, making robust internal compliance programs an absolute necessity, not a luxury.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis serves as a crucial reminder that in today’s globalized economy, geopolitical events are not distant concerns but immediate business realities with tangible financial risks. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert perspective, which clearly highlights the non-negotiable importance of proactive compliance for companies in Costa Rica.
Iran is currently grappling with a profound economic crisis that has fueled widespread public discontent. The nation’s currency, the rial, has experienced a catastrophic collapse, while record-breaking inflation has eroded the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. These domestic economic woes, exacerbated by years of stringent international sanctions, have created a volatile environment, leading to massive protests across the country.
The Treasury Department’s announcement detailed the dual justification for the new measures. Beyond the violent suppression of dissent, U.S. officials accused the sanctioned individuals of managing a network designed to launder vast sums of money derived from the country’s oil exports, a critical source of income for the government. This financial maneuvering is seen by Washington as a direct attempt to fund the state’s security apparatus and its destabilizing activities abroad.
In a strongly worded statement, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent articulated the administration’s position, framing the sanctions as a measure of solidarity with the Iranian populace.
The United States firmly supports the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and justice
Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury
This declaration underscores a key pillar of current U.S. foreign policy toward Iran, which seeks to distinguish between the country’s government and its people. The sanctions are designed to inflict maximum pain on the regime’s leadership and its financial enablers while signaling support for the protesters demanding economic relief and greater political freedom.
The inclusion of Ali Larijani, a prominent figure in Iran’s political establishment, signifies a deliberate targeting of the country’s core leadership. As the head of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani is central to the state’s security and policy decisions, making the action against him particularly significant. The sanctions effectively freeze any assets the designated individuals may have within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens and entities from engaging in any transactions with them.
Analysts suggest that while these new measures will further isolate Iran financially, their immediate impact on the ground may be limited. The Iranian government has long demonstrated a capacity to weather sanctions through illicit networks and support from international partners. However, the continuous ratcheting up of pressure aims to constrict the regime’s operational capacity and may embolden internal opposition by highlighting the international condemnation of its actions.
For further information, visit home.treasury.gov
About The U.S. Department of the Treasury:
The Department of the Treasury is the executive agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for promoting economic prosperity and ensuring the financial security of the United States. It is in charge of printing and minting all paper currency and coins, collecting federal taxes through the Internal Revenue Service, and managing the U.S. government’s debt. The department also enforces finance and tax laws and advises the President on fiscal and economic policy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The Supreme National Security Council of Iran
About The Supreme National Security Council of Iran:
The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is the primary national security policymaking body in Iran. Chaired by the President of Iran, its responsibilities include formulating defense and national security policies within the framework of the general policies determined by the Supreme Leader. Its members include high-ranking military commanders, government ministers, and other key political figures, making it a central institution in the governance and strategic direction of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions while honoring its rich history of guiding a diverse clientele. A core tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal information, aiming to empower citizens and fortify society through greater legal understanding.
