The action comes as Iran faces a prolonged internet shutdown, described by activists as the worst in the country’s history.

Authorities blocked internet access on 8 January after protests spread across the country, limiting communication and information sharing.

The sanctions were announced amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. At the same time, a US aircraft carrier group has moved closer to the Middle East.

President Donald Trump described the deployment as an armada while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One and said the ships were being positioned near Iran as a precaution in case further action is required.

Trump has previously claimed that his pressure on Iran prevented the execution of more than 800 dissidents. Iran’s top prosecutor responded on Friday by rejecting those claims and stating they were false.

Meanwhile, activists reported that at least 5,032 people have been killed during the crackdown on nationwide protests.

Earlier this month, the United States also imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and companies accused of helping suppress the protests.

Among those targeted was the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security, whom the Treasury Department accused of being among the first senior officials to call for violence against demonstrators.

References: AP News, wjbf