The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran. The Treasury Department and Department of State have announced new sanctions on an Iranian charitable organization and its branches “for human rights violations”.

The department imposed the sanctions on what it described as a key patronage network for the supreme leader. It said it blacklisted the Bonyad Mostazafan, or the Foundation of the Oppressed, which is controlled by Khamenei.

The Treasury Department also slapped sanctions on Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi, accusing his ministry of playing a role in serious human rights abuses against Iranians.