US sanctions top aide of Iran supreme leader

The United States on Thursday sanctioned Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's deputy chief of staff and more than 50 other Iranian government officials for alleged human-rights abuses. State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said Washington wants to help Iranians exercise freedom of expression. The United States accuses Iran of blocking internet and communications access to stifle dissent ahead of its June 14 presidential election. The new sanctions target an Iranian intelligence unit responsible for blocking information and Khamenei aide Asgha Mir-Hejazi. Psaki said Mir-Hejazi facilitates violent crackdowns on Iranians. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department eased export restrictions on personal communications hardware and software to Iranian civilians.