US Plans to Enforce Sanctions on IRIB

The US administration is planning to impose blanket sanctions on Iranian state television, as part of measures to punish those allegedly involved in the crackdown of protestors following the recent unrest.  The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting has been subject to US sanctions since 2013, but both former US president Barack Obama and the incumbent Donald Trump have signed presidential waivers every 180 days to prevent them coming into force. The Guardian has learned that Trump is planning not to sign the waiver in regards to the state broadcaster when it comes up for renewal at the end of January, meaning the sanctions will become active. A source familiar with decision-making in Washington in relation to the IRIB sanctions said Trump was persuaded not to impose restrictions on the Central Bank of Iran, in case it caused problems for ordinary people, but instead to target specific organizations such as state TV.  “It is a symbolic act. It will send a strong message to Iran without imposing more hardship on Iranians like other sanctions,” the source said. Not signing the waivers meant the “IRIB’s activity outside of Iran, including the activity of its bureaux, the ability to purchase international content and live satellite transmission, will be restricted,” the source said.