US sanctions eight Iranian officials

The US has imposed sanctions on eight senior Iranian officials, accusing them of human rights abuses during post-election unrest in Iran over a year ago.

The executive order, signed this week by US President Barack Obama, imposes financial and travel bans on Mohammad-Ali Jafari, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps and one of his top deputies, Hossein Taeb.

Iran’s former interior minister and current Minster for Welfare and Social Security, Sadeq Mahsouli, and the country’s Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi were also named.

The eight individuals will be barred from entering the United States and their possible assets will be blocked. American individuals and companies have also been prohibited from doing any business with the eight.