Iran has strongly criticized Western countries, particularly the United States, for imposing what it deems as "illegal" sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The US, Britain, and the European Union announced new sanctions on several Iranian individuals and entities on the eve of the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody.

Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, died on September 16, 2022, after being arrested in Tehran for allegedly violating the country's strict dress code for women. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, condemned the Western countries' actions as "illegal and undiplomatic" in a statement issued late Friday. He also criticized their interventionist actions, hypocritical displays of support for the protest movement, and warned European diplomats against engaging in unconstructive behavior that does not serve their interests.

The US sanctions imposed on Friday targeted 25 Iranian officials, three media outlets, and an internet censorship firm, all of which were linked to Tehran's suppression of protests following Amini's death. The sanctioned individuals included regional commanders of the national police force and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Gholamali Mohammadi, the head of Iran's Prisons Organization, was also sanctioned for alleged human rights abuses, including torture and rape. Additionally, state-controlled Press TV, Tasnim, and Fars news agencies were placed on the US blacklist.

Britain's sanctions included Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, his deputy Mohammad Hashemi, Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani, and Iranian police spokesman Saeed Montazer Almehdi. The European Union added four Iranian officials to its own blacklist, including a Revolutionary Guards commander, two regional police chiefs, and the head of a prison. These sanctions were coordinated with Canada and Australia.

The protests that occurred after Amini's death last year resulted in hundreds of casualties, including both protesters and security forces, and thousands of arrests. The Iranian government labeled the protests as "riots" instigated by foreign governments.

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