The US on Wednesday issued fresh sanctions on Iranian officials, including the head of Evin prison and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders over Tehran's "brutal ongoing crackdown" of protests, the Treasury announced.
In a joint statement with the Treasury Department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted the latest tranche of sanctions were imposed 40 days after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while in custody of Iran's "so-called morality police".
The US has blamed Iran's morality police for the death of Amini, who was taken into custody in Tehran on September 13 for wearing her headscarf too loosely. Amini, 22 years of age and of Kurdish origin, died three days later.
Earlier on Wednesday, mourners in Iran gathered near Amini's grave in defiance of the government.
"We join her family and the Iranian people for a day of mourning and reflection," Mr Blinken said in a statement.
"The United States is committed to supporting the Iranian people and ensuring that those responsible for the brutal crackdown on the ongoing nationwide protests in Iran are held accountable."
The Treasury imposed sanctions on 10 people, including two senior IRGC leaders and provincial officials from Sistan and Baluchestan province, which has seen some of the deadliest violence against protesters since demonstrations began last month.
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Damage caused by a fire in the notorious Evin prison, north-west of Iranian capital Tehran. AFP -
Eight prisoners were killed and more than 60 were injured in the blaze. AFP -
An Evin prison workshop following the fire. AP -
The site of clashes in a ward of the notorious jail, which holds political prisoners and dual-national detainees. AP -
A fire truck stands in front of a charred building after a fire broke out at the prison. EPA -
Inside Evin prison a few hours after the fire. AFP -
The blaze has caused significant damage to the prison. AFP -
Iranian state media quoted a security official blaming 'criminal elements' for unrest in the jail. AFP -
The Iranian judiciary said a prison workshop was set on fire 'after a fight among a number of prisoners convicted of financial crimes and theft'. AFP -
A fire engine drives towards the fire. AFP -
Smoke rises from Evin prison in Tehran. AFP -
Flames and thick smoke engulf the prison, which is in the north-west of the Iranian capital. AFP -
The fire broke out amid protests across Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, following her arrest by the country's morality police. AFP -
Amini died on September 16. AFP -
Iranian protesters gather on a road leading to the Evin prison. AFP -
Protests have been held in cities across Iran after Amini's death. AFP -
Iranian students chant 'freedom' at the University of Science and Culture in Tehran. AFP -
Students sing the national anthem during a sit-in at the Art University in the central city of Isfahan. AFP -
More students in the rally at Tehran's University of Science and Culture. AFP
The department cited the death of more than 80 people in Zahedan for sanctions imposed on governor Hossein Modarres Khiabani.
Two Iranian intelligence actors and two entities "involved in government efforts to disrupt digital freedom" have also been sanctioned.
Several prison officials have also been named, including the head of Tehran's notorious Evin prison, the site of a deadly fire on October 16.
Numerous protesters have been sent to Evin, where they have "been subjected to torture and other forms of physical abuse", the department said.
Companies and individuals involved in hacking and restricting internet access have also been sanctioned.
Iran has seen regular internet cuts since protests began, a common tactic deployed by Tehran to suppress dissent.
Wide internet cuts were reported in Sanandaj on Wednesday as people gathered to mark 40 days since the death of Amini.
