By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The United States has enacted a new wave of sanctions against Iranian security officials and financial networks, accusing them of orchestrating a brutal repression of peaceful protests and laundering billions of dollars in oil revenue. The measures, announced Thursday, represent a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against the Islamic Republic.
The announcement from the Treasury Department comes in the wake of what have been described as the largest anti-government demonstrations in Iran’s history. While the protests appear to have subsided recently under the weight of a severe crackdown and a nearly week-long internet blackout, Washington has signaled its intent to hold the perpetrators of the violence accountable. The sanctions target key figures believed to be responsible for the state’s response.
To shed light on the complex legal and commercial implications of the latest sanctions imposed on Iran, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The new wave of sanctions against Iran creates a complex and high-risk environment, not just for multinational corporations, but for any business with international supply chains or financial ties. These measures often have extraterritorial effects, meaning that even a Costa Rican company using a U.S. dollar financial instrument for a transaction unrelated to Iran could face severe penalties. Comprehensive due diligence and a robust compliance program are no longer optional; they are essential for survival in this geopolitical landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This warning about the extraterritorial reach of sanctions is a critical reminder for our business community that global geopolitics directly impacts local operations, transforming compliance from a legal formality into a matter of survival. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this complex issue.
In a formal statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent articulated the administration’s position, emphasizing solidarity with the demonstrators and their demands for systemic change. He confirmed that the punitive actions were taken at the direct order of President Donald Trump, underscoring the White House’s commitment to its hardline stance on Iran.
The United States firmly supports the Iranian people in their claim for freedom and justice
Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury
Among the high-profile individuals designated is Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. U.S. officials accuse Larijani of personally coordinating the repressive strategy and authorizing the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. Joining him on the sanctions list are four regional commanders from Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces and the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who are cited for their direct involvement in suppressing dissent in the provinces of Lorestán and Fars.
The situation in Fars province was highlighted as particularly grim. According to the Treasury’s statement, security forces there have “murdered countless peaceful protesters.” The scale of the violence has reportedly overwhelmed local medical infrastructure, with hospitals so saturated with patients suffering from gunshot wounds that they are unable to admit individuals with other medical emergencies, painting a dire picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding on the ground.
Beyond the security apparatus, the sanctions also dismantle a sophisticated financial network. The Treasury identified 18 individuals and entities allegedly involved in a scheme to launder billions of dollars from Iranian oil sales. This operation reportedly utilized a web of front companies based in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and the United Kingdom to circumvent existing international restrictions and channel funds back to the regime.
The immediate consequences for those sanctioned are severe. Any assets they hold within the United States are now frozen, and American citizens and companies are strictly prohibited from engaging in any commercial transactions with them. Furthermore, the measures carry the threat of secondary sanctions, meaning foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions with the blacklisted entities risk being cut off from the U.S. financial system themselves.
This latest action builds upon a sustained campaign that has seen the U.S. aggressively target the Iranian economy and government. According to the Treasury Department, more than 875 individuals, vessels, and aircraft were sanctioned in 2025 alone as part of this ongoing initiative. The strategy aims to isolate Tehran and compel it to change its policies, though its long-term effects remain a subject of intense international debate.
For further information, visit treasury.gov
About 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 manages federal finances by collecting taxes, paying U.S. bills, managing currency, government accounts, and public debt. The department also enforces finance and tax laws and has an intelligence and enforcement function that includes targeting foreign assets.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
About Iran’s Supreme National Security Council:
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 general policies determined by the Supreme Leader. The council coordinates political, intelligence, social, and economic activities related to these policies.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
About Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps:
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, founded after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Intended to protect the country’s Islamic Republic political system, it operates in parallel to the regular army and is responsible for internal and border security, as well as controlling Iran’s ballistic missile program. It has a significant role in both military and economic spheres within Iran.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of ethical practice and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele into pioneering innovative legal strategies and solutions. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to enriching society by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
