Anniversary of Mahsa: White House: More sanctions against Iranian officials are on the way

The Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council of the White House stated that the U.S. continues to support the people of Iran and defends their right to peaceful protests and freedom of expression. John Kirby, on Friday, September 15, commemorating the name and memory of Mahsa Amini, told the Voice of America: "We have imposed many sanctions against Iranian leaders, especially those involved in the death of Mahsa and the harassment and violence against protesters in Iran. In addition to the sanctions we announced today, we will impose and announce some new sanctions next week." He emphasized: "We in America stand with the people of Iran and defend their rights. Iranians must shout their demands, and the Tehran government must respond to the people's demands; we firmly stand behind the people of Iran in this path." On the eve of the first anniversary of the killing of Mahsa 'Jina' Amini by Iranian security forces, the U.S. is sanctioning 25 Iranian individuals, three state-supported media outlets, and one Iranian internet research company involved in the violent suppression of protests following Mahsa's death. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated: "We are taking this action in coordination with the UK, Canada, Australia, and other partners, who are also imposing sanctions this week. This is the thirteenth round of U.S. sanctions in response to the regime's brutal suppression of protests." The Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council also referred to the issue of the freedom of dual-national prisoners from Iranian prisons, saying: "Through Switzerland, which is the U.S. interests section in Tehran, we have been able to communicate with all Americans currently under house arrest. As far as we can assess, they seem to be in good condition, but we want to ensure that they are completely well and receiving necessary medical care." John Kirby stated: "I cannot speak about the timing of their departure from Iran, but we hope that this will happen in the coming days."