Iran Plans Retaliation Against U.S. Sanctions and Interference, Targets Key American Figures
Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs condemned the U.S. for its ongoing interference in global matters and its imposition of sanctions on Iranian nationals through the “Rewards for Justice” program. He criticized the U.S. for its historical actions involving assassination, sabotage, and threats. In response, Iran is preparing to take countermeasures by leveraging laws such as the Law on Countering Human Rights Violations and the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
The Iranian government, in coordination with the Supreme National Security Council, is compiling a list of American individuals involved in activities like terrorism, cyber sabotage, and human rights violations. This list will be used to impose sanctions and pursue legal action against those involved in undermining Iran’s national security.
Iran Plans Retaliation Against U.S. Sanctions and Interference, Targets Key American Figures
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs has issued a sharp condemnation of the United States, accusing it of overstepping international norms by meddling in global affairs and unilaterally imposing sanctions on Iranian citizens under its “Rewards for Justice” initiative. During his remarks, the official underscored Washington’s longstanding reliance on controversial strategies such as targeted assassinations, covert destabilization efforts, and economic coercion, which he argued undermine global stability and violate principles of state sovereignty.
In response to these perceived transgressions, Iran is mobilizing legal and diplomatic mechanisms to counteract U.S. measures, invoking domestic statutes like the Law on Countering Human Rights Violations and condemning the U.S. designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. Iranian authorities are now collaborating across agencies to identify and sanction American individuals and entities allegedly involved in activities deemed hostile to Iran’s national interests, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and threats to its security infrastructure.
The deputy minister’s criticism centers on the U.S. “Rewards for Justice” program, a long-standing initiative offering financial incentives for information targeting individuals linked to terrorism. Tehran views this program as a tool of political manipulation, enabling Washington to pressure Iranian nationals through punitive measures without due process.
The minister highlighted the irony of the U.S. framing itself as a global enforcer of justice while engaging in actions Iran characterizes as unlawful, such as the 2020 assassination of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, cyber operations like the Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, and sweeping economic sanctions that have exacerbated humanitarian challenges. These actions, he argued, expose a pattern of U.S. disregard for international law and multilateralism, perpetuating a cycle of hostility.
To counter these measures, Iran’s legislative and executive branches are advancing a dual-track approach. The Law on Countering Human Rights Violations, enacted to address perceived Western abuses, provides a framework for Tehran to legally challenge U.S. sanctions and prosecute American officials accused of human rights violations. Additionally, Iran has leveraged the U.S. decision to designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization—a move condemned by Tehran as politically motivated—to justify reciprocal measures. By labeling U.S. military and intelligence figures as terrorists, Iran aims to diplomatically isolate these individuals, potentially restricting their international travel and freezing assets under Iranian jurisdiction.
Coordination among Iranian institutions, including the judiciary, foreign ministry, and national security councils, is underway to compile a list of U.S. persons and organizations allegedly involved in anti-Iran activities. This list is expected to include military personnel, cybersecurity experts, and policymakers linked to operations Iran views as destabilizing, such as support for opposition groups, sanctions enforcement, and cyber espionage. While the practical impact of these sanctions may be limited, given Iran’s minimal economic ties with the U.S., the move is largely symbolic, reinforcing Tehran’s stance against external pressure and rallying domestic support.
The escalating rhetoric reflects deeper tensions in U.S.-Iran relations, rooted in decades of mutual distrust. From the 1979 revolution to the collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), both nations have engaged in a tit-for-tat cycle of provocations. Iran’s latest response aligns with its strategy of “active resistance,” which combines legal, military, and diplomatic tools to counter perceived U.S. hegemony. Conversely, Washington frames its actions as necessary to curb Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions, though critics argue its approach fuels escalation.
Analysts suggest Iran’s emphasis on legal retaliation signals a shift toward leveraging international institutions and multilateral platforms to challenge U.S. policies. By framing its actions through a legal lens, Tehran seeks to garner sympathy from global audiences, particularly nations critical of U.S. unilateralism. However, skepticism remains regarding the efficacy of such measures, given Iran’s limited influence in shaping international norms compared to U.S. geopolitical clout.
In summary, Iran’s planned retaliation underscores its resolve to confront U.S. pressure through coordinated legal and political channels. While the immediate consequences may be largely rhetorical, the broader conflict highlights the enduring clash between Tehran’s assertion of sovereignty and Washington’s pursuit of a coercive foreign policy. As both nations dig in their heels, prospects for de-escalation appear dim, perpetuating a cycle of recrimination with far-reaching implications for global diplomacy and security.
