Washington, Feb 19 (.) The United States announced new visa restrictions on Thursday, targeting Iranian officials and telecommunications leaders accused of suppressing the Iranian people’s right to free expression during nationwide protests late last year.
According to an official statement, the action comes in response to the Iranian regime’s violent crackdown on widespread protests in December 2025 and January 2026.
US officials said Iranian authorities used force against tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators and imposed a near-total nationwide internet shutdown, severely limiting independent reporting and isolating citizens from the outside world.
The visa restrictions, imposed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, were authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The measures apply to 18 Iranian regime officials and telecommunications industry leaders, along with their immediate family members. The policy targets individuals deemed complicit, or believed to be complicit, in serious human rights violations, particularly actions restricting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
With this latest action, a total of 58 individuals have been sanctioned under the policy.
In the statement, US officials reiterated support for the Iranian people and their calls for dignity and peace. “The United States stands with the Iranian people,” the statement said, emphasizing that the administration will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for abuses committed by Iranian regime officials and others involved in repression.
The announcement signals continued US efforts to pressure Tehran over its human rights record and its handling of domestic unrest.. .