Mufti Hazrat Deroji, also known as Qari Amjad, is the U.S.-designated deputy emir of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Given Amjad’s leadership role in the TTP, the U.S. Department of State designated Amjad as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on November 30, 2022.“Terrorist Designation of AQIS and TTP Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, December 1, 2022, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designation-of-aqis-and-ttp-leaders.

Established in December 2007, the TTP is a conglomerate of around 40 tribal and non-tribal Pakistani militant groups fighting against the state of Pakistan, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), and U.S.-led coalition forces. A number of TTP members fought in Afghanistan alongside the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and as of 2022, TTP still maintains close ties to both organizations.Amira Jadoon, The Evolution and Potential Resurgence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace, 2021), 4, https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/sr_494-the_evolution_and_potential_resurgence_of_the_tehrik_i_taliban_pakistan.pdf; “Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan,” Mapping Militant Organizations, Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University, last modified July 2018, 12, https://stanford.app.box.com/s/38mt4uo1u67qwfc8rd3gm9tgy7bc5bai; “Letter dated 25 May 2022 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 1988 (2011) addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, May 26, 2022, https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3975071?ln=en#record-files-collapse-header. At the head of the TTP is its emir Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, who is supported by three deputy emirs—Amjad, Omar Khalid Khurasani, and Mawlawi Faqir Mohammad.“Letter dated 25 May 2022 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 1988 (2011) addressed to the President of the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council, May 26, 2022, https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3975071?ln=en#record-files-collapse-header; Y. Carmon and Tufail Ahmad, “According To UN Report, Afghan Taliban Continue To Sponsor Al-Qaeda And Other Foreign Jihadi Organizations Such As Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), And East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM),” The Middle East Media Research Institute, June 17, 2022, https://www.memri.org/reports/according-un-report-afghan-taliban-continue-sponsor-al-qaeda-and-other-foreign-jihadi.Amjad presumably has been TTP’s deputy emir since the group’s founding.

On November 28, 2022, the TTP announced that its leadership has decided to end a ceasefire with Pakistan’s government. The militant group announced an indefinite ceasefire with Islamabad on June 2, 2022, but in a TTP statement, the group claimed that the Pakistani military is increasing the number of attacks against the group, particularly in the Lakki Marwat district of Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the same statement, the TTP also encouraged their fighters to launch retaliatory attacks against Islamabad.“Taliban militants in Pakistan end ceasefire with government – spokesman,” Reuters, November 28, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-militants-pakistan-end-ceasefire-with-government-spokesman-2022-11-28; Abid Hussain, “Pakistan Taliban ends ceasefire with gov’t, threatens new attacks,” Al Jazeera, November 28, 2022, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/28/pakistan-taliban-ends-ceasefire-with-govt-threatens-new-attacks.

Shortly after the TTP’s declaration of renewing attacks, on November 30, 2022, the U.S. Department of State designated Amjad as an SDGT for his role in the organization. According to the state department, Amjad’s 15-year campaign of violence has also escalated since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021.“Terrorist Designation of AQIS and TTP Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, December 1, 2022, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designation-of-aqis-and-ttp-leaders.

Atif Yahya Ghouri is the U.S.-designated deputy emir of al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Given Ghouri’s role in AQIS, the U.S. Department of State designated Ghouri as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on November 30, 2022.“Terrorist Designation of AQIS and TTP Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, December 1, 2022, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designation-of-aqis-and-ttp-leaders.

Ghouri reportedly hails from Islamabad, Pakistan, and studied at the International Islamic University, the same school attended by former AQIS deputy emir Ustad Ahmad Farooq. It is unreported when Ghouri joined AQIS and what role he held upon his enlistment in the terror group. Following the death of Farooq in a U.S. drone strike on January 15, 2015, Ghouri was named the new deputy emir.Syed Arfeen, “Educated in extremism,” The News, July 23, 2017, https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/563692-educated-extremism.

At some point after 2015, Ghouri relocated to Afghanistan where he acts as AQIS’s operational and military commander coordinating AQIS activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan.“Pakistan court sentences five al-Qaeda terrorists to 16 years each in jail,” New Indian Express, June 26, 2020, https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/jun/26/pakistan-court-sentences-five-al-qaeda-terrorists-to-16-years-each-in-jail-2161801.html. On December 26, 2019, the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department and an intelligence agency launched a joint raid on an AQIS cell in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan. Reportedly, the cell served under the direction of Ghouri and had planned to launch terrorist attacks in Punjab. The raid not only uncovered a large quantity of media equipment and deadly weapons, but also funds presumably used to finance AQIS operations.Asif Chaudhry, “Militant outfit’s media cell in Gujranwala busted,” Dawn, December 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1524548.

As Ghouri continues to coordinate AQIS attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, he was designated as an SDGT by the U.S. Department of State on November 30, 2022.“Terrorist Designation of AQIS and TTP Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, December 1, 2022, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designation-of-aqis-and-ttp-leaders.

Osama Mehmood is the U.S.-designated emir of al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Given Mehmood’s leadership role in AQIS, the U.S. Department of State designated Mehmood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on November 30, 2022.“Terrorist Designation of AQIS and TTP Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, December 1, 2022, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designation-of-aqis-and-ttp-leaders.

Ayman al-Zawahiri announced the establishment of AQIS in September 2014 through a video released by al-Qaeda’s official media arm, As-Sahab. Asim Umar was introduced as the AQIS emir, with Usama Mahmood as its spokesperson.Amira Jadoon, Abdul Sayed and Andrew Mines, “The Islamic State Threat in Taliban Afghanistan: Tracing the Resurgence of Islamic State Khorasan,” Combating Terrorism Center, January 2022, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/the-islamic-state-threat-in-taliban-afghanistan-tracing-the-resurgence-of-islamic-state-khorasan.

On September 23, 2019, the United States launched a joint operation with the Afghan military, carrying out a raid in Musa Qala, southern Afghanistan. On October 8, Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) confirmed that along with Umar, six other militants were killed during the operation. At some point shortly after Umar’s death, Mehmood was named the new leader of the terror group.“Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent chief Asim Umar killed in Afghanistan,” The Hindu, October 8, 2019, https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/al-qaeda-in-the-indian-subcontinent-chief-asim-umar-killed-in-afghanistan/article29618954.ece.; Bill Roggio, “Afghan intelligence confirms death of AQIS emir,” Long War Journal, October 8, 2020, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/10/afghan-intelligence-confirms-death-of-aqis-emir.php.

AQIS scholars claim that under the role of emir, Mehmood has been in charge of strengthening al-Qaeda’s network in South Asia. In particular, Mehmood has stressed the importance of cooperating with and supporting the Kashmir-based, al-Qaeda-aligned Ansar Ghazwa-tul Hind to strengthen the al-Qaeda brand throughout the region.Asfandyar Mir, “Afghanistan’s Terrorism Challenge: The Political Trajectories of al-Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban, and the Islamic State,” Middle East Institute, October 20, 2020, https://www.mei.edu/publications/afghanistans-terrorism-challenge-political-trajectories-al-qaeda-afghan-taliban-and.

At some point after being named emir, Mehmood relocated to Afghanistan where he reportedly continues to direct AQIS activities. Given Mehmood’s leadership position in AQIS, on February 21, 2022, the EU added Mehmood to its sanctions list, and a few months later on November 30, the U.S. Department of State designated Mehmood as a SDGT.“Terrorist Designation of AQIS and TTP Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, December 1, 2022, https://www.state.gov/terrorist-designation-of-aqis-and-ttp-leaders; “COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2022/235 of 21 February 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1686 imposing additional restrictive measures directed against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and natural and legal persons, entities or bodies associated with them,” Official Journal of the European Union, February 21, 2022, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32022R0235.

Abu al-Hussain al-Hussaini al-Qurashi was the leader of ISIS. Following the death of former ISIS leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, Abu al-Hussain was announced as the new caliph on November 30, 2022.Mina Aldroubi, “ISIS announces new leader after terrorist chief killed in battle,” The National, November 30, 2022, https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/syria/2022/11/30/isis-announces-new-leader-but-reveals-little-about-him/. Less than a year following the former caliph’s death, Abu al-Hussain died in an operation conducted by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) on April 29, 2023 in Syria’s Afrin province.Turkey Offers Details Of Islamic State Chief's Death,”Agence France Presse, May 1, 2023, https://www.barrons.com/news/turkey-offers-details-of-islamic-state-chief-s-death-cf5480ac. On August 3, 2023, ISIS releases an audio statement confirming Abu al-Hussain’s death.Jared Malsin, “Islamic State Confirms Top Leader Is Dead,” Wall Street Journal, August 3. 2023, https://www.wsj.com/articles/islamic-state-confirms-top-leader-is-dead-dfc114a3.

Although there were reports that Abu Hasan was captured by Turkish forces in May 2022, ISIS later confirmed the death of the late caliph on November 30, 2022.Chris Matthews, “New ISIS leader 'is captured in Istanbul raid' three months after previous chief was killed in US operation,” Daily Mail, May 26, 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10857583/New-ISIS-leader-captured-Istanbul-raid-three-months-boss-killed-operation.html; Mina Aldroubi, “ISIS announces new leader after terrorist chief killed in battle,” The National, November 30, 2022, https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/syria/2022/11/30/isis-announces-new-leader-but-reveals-little-about-him/. In an official statement, the group claimed the deceased leader was killed “in combat with enemies of God” but offered no other details regarding the date or circumstances leading to his death. The statement also declared Abu al-Hussain as the new leader of the extremist enterprise. Reportedly a veteran jihadist who began his career with ISIS in 2013, not much else is known about Abu al-Hussain.Rachel Hagan, “ISIS leader 'killed in action' as murderous group names its new caliph,” Mirror, November 30, 2022, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/breaking-isis-leader-killed-action-28621464; Mina Aldroubi, “ISIS announces new leader after terrorist chief killed in battle,” The National, November 30, 2022, https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/syria/2022/11/30/isis-announces-new-leader-but-reveals-little-about-him/;“Turkey Offers Details Of Islamic State Chief's Death,”Agence France Presse, May 1, 2023, https://www.barrons.com/news/turkey-offers-details-of-islamic-state-chief-s-death-cf5480ac.

On April 29, 2023, Turkey’s MIT intelligence agency carried out an operation in Syria’s Afrin province, resulting in the death of Abu al-Hussain. MIT agents reportedly surrounded a house harboring Abu al-Hussain, leading the ISIS leader to detonate a suicide vest to evade capture and detention. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed the death of al-Hussain the next day.“Turkey Offers Details Of Islamic State Chief's Death,”Agence France Presse, May 1, 2023, https://www.barrons.com/news/turkey-offers-details-of-islamic-state-chief-s-death-cf5480ac; “ISIS chief killed in Syria by Turkey's intelligence agency, Erdogan says,” CBS News, April 30, 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-leader-abu-hussein-al-qurashi-killed-erdogan-syria-turkey-intelligence-agency/.

ISIS did not confirm Abu al-Hussain’s death until August 3, 2023. In the audio statement, Abu al-Hussain was killed in clashes with a rival group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Details regarding the location and timeline of his death remain unclear. However, HTS controls a portion of northwestern Syria, and ISIS regularly accuses HTS of working in Turkey’s favor.“Islamic State Group Announces Death of Leader,” Defense Post, August 4, 2023, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/08/04/islamic-state-leader-dead/. In the same statement, ISIS also announced the appointment of new leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi.Jared Malsin, “Islamic State Confirms Top Leader Is Dead,” Wall Street Journal, August 3. 2023, https://www.wsj.com/articles/islamic-state-confirms-top-leader-is-dead-dfc114a3.

Mahad Karate is the U.S.-designated deputy emir of al-Shabaab. Given Karate’s leadership position with the extremist group, Karate was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. Department of State on April 21, 2015.“Transnational Criminal Organizations Designations; Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 21, 2015, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20150421. In November 2022, the State Department offered a reward of $10 million—double the $5 million previously offered in November 2015—for information leading to the capture of Karate.“U.S. offers $27 mln in rewards for information on al Shabaab commanders,” Reuters, November 11, 2015, https://www.reuters.com/article/somalia-usa-idAFL8N1363AN20151111; “Mahad Karate,” Rewards for Justice Program, November 18, 2022,  https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/mahad-karate/.

According to scholars who specialize on al-Shabaab’s activities and membership, Karate and current al-Shabaab emir Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah were both considered for the role of emir in September 2014 following the death of emir Ahmed Godane in a U.S. missile attack. Abu Ubaidah ultimately came out as victor, leaving Karate to run the Aminyat—al-Shabaab’s intelligence and security wing that is also responsible for the extremist group’s suicide bombing unit.Harun Maruf and Dan Joseph, “No End in Sight for the al-Shabaab Threat to Somalia,” Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, December 2018, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/no-end-sight-al-shabaab-threat-somalia/. According to the U.S. State Department, Karate also commands responsibility over the group’s finances.“Mahad Karate,” Rewards for Justice Program, November 18, 2022,  https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/mahad-karate/.

The Amniyat has played a central role in carrying out suicide attacks and assassinations in not only Somalia, but also Kenya and other countries in the region. During Karate’s tenure, the Amniyat was responsible for the April 2, 2015 attack on Garissa University College in Kenya. The attack—in which gunmen killed 150 and specifically targeted Christian students—is al-Shabaab’s deadliest attack in Kenya to date.“Who are Somalia's al-Shabab?” BBC News, December 9, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-15336689; “Kenya's Garissa university reopens after deadly al-Shabab attack,” BBC News, January 4, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35221137. Shortly after the Garissa University attack, on April 10, 2015, the U.S. Department of State designated Karate as a SDGT for his leadership role in al-Shabaab.“Transnational Criminal Organizations Designations; Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 21, 2015, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20150421. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program also announced up to $5 million for information on Karate on November 11, 2015.“U.S. offers $27 mln in rewards for information on al Shabaab commanders,” Reuters, November 11, 2015, https://www.reuters.com/article/somalia-usa-idAFL8N1363AN20151111.

Despite the designation, Karate continued to direct Amniyat attacks throughout Somalia, and in January 2016, the Amniyat ambushed a Kenyan army base in El Adde, Somalia. The ambush killed more than 100 soldiers.Tom Odula and Abdi Guled, “Kenya army: Air raid kills al-Shabab’s intelligence chief,” Associated Press, February 18, 2016, https://apnews.com/article/8247ebf4916c4b46ada9fa454c400930. Media reports later circulated in February 2016 claiming that Karate, along with 50 other militants, was killed in a Kenyan airstrike targeting an Amniyat training camp. However, al-Shabaab denied there was any strike and a Somali intelligence source stated doubts regarding Karate’s death.Robyn Kriel, Radina Gigova and Ben Brumfield, “Al-Shabaab intelligence head killed, says Kenya, but doubts persist,” CNN, February 20, 2016, https://www.cnn.com/2016/02/19/africa/al-shabaab-figure-killed/index.html.

Media sources remained mum regarding Karate’s activities until February 26, 2021, when the U.N. Security Council added Karate to its sanctions list for his role in al-Shabaab’s activities.“MAHAD KARATE,” United Nations Security Council, February 26, 2021, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/mahad-karate. A year later in May 2022, Karate was interviewed on Channel 4, a U.K. broadcasting network. During the interview, Karate commented on the incompatibility of Islam and democracy, stating “the truth is, on this earth, nobody has achieved their principles, systems, and administration by being peaceful…Democracy is a religion for non-Muslims. It’s against our beliefs and identity. We are Muslims. Islam and democracy cannot be compatible.”Jamal Osman, “Inside Al-Shabaab: The Extremist Group Trying to Seize Somalia,” Channel 4, June 15, 2022, https://www.channel4.com/news/inside-al-shabaab-the-extremist-group-trying-to-seize-somalia.

As Karate continues to direct fatal activities and narratives on behalf of al-Shabaab, on November 18, 2022, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program doubled their reward—now $10 million—for information leading to the identification or capture of Karate.“Rewards for Justice – Reward Offers for Information on Key Leaders of al-Shabaab Ahmed Diriye, Mahad Karate, and Jehad Mostafa, and the Disruption of its Financial Mechanisms,” U.S. Department of State, November 18, 2022, https://www.state.gov/rewards-for-justice-reward-offers-for-information-on-key-leaders-of-al-shabaab-ahmed-diriye-mahad-karate-and-jehad-mostafa-and-the-disruption-of-its-financial-mechanisms/.

Yadollah Javani is the U.S.-designated deputy political commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).“Treasury Sanctions Iranian Leaders Responsible for Internet Shutdown and Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0994. On October 6, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Javani as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for his role in acting on behalf of the IRGC and engaging in serious human rights abuses.“Treasury Sanctions Iranian Leaders Responsible for Internet Shutdown and Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0994.

Javani is a veteran of the IRGC, an Iranian government agency tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats. Before or around 2011, Javani took on the role of the IRGC’s political bureau chief. Accordingly, while in this role, the EU claims Javani repeatedly supported the use of violence and harsh interrogation tactics against protesters. Additionally, publications circulated among IRGC circles refer to Javani reportedly instructing security officials to carry out extrajudicial maltreatment of dissidents. “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, October 10, 2022, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1110024/Iran__Human_Rights_.pdf. Due to his violent actions and standards, the EU sanctioned Javani on October 10, 2011.“REGULATIONS COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 1002/2011 of 10 October 2011 implementing Article 12(1) of Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran,” Official Journal of the European Union, October 12, 2011, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:267:0001:0006:EN:PDF.

Nonetheless, Javani continued to advance throughout the IRGC and served as advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s representative at the IRGC from at least July 6, 2017. Following that role, Javani reportedly started serving as deputy political commander sometime around March 2018.“Iran's Revolutionary Guards deny giving missiles to Houthis - Tasnim news,” Tasnim News, March 27, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-houthi-iran-idAFKBN1H30XT.

Given Javani’s continued affiliation with the IRGC, on December 31, 2020, the United Kingdom sanctioned Javani for not only suppressing free speech and discourse through supporting the arrest and punishment of protestors and dissenters, but also having knowledge of the IRGC’s harsh interrogation techniques to force confessions.“CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, October 10, 2022, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1110024/Iran__Human_Rights_.pdf.

In September 2022, the IRGC and the Basij joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. On September 22, the IRGC issued a statement of support for Iranian police in combating the protests and accused protesters of sedition. At least 201 protesters were killed since the protests began after confrontations with Iranian security forces, but information has been limited due to disrupted and limited Internet access throughout the country.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” September 24, 2022, Bloomberg, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq; “Exclusive: IRGC Commanders’ Families Placed in Tehran ‘Safe House,” Iran Wire, September 26, 2022, https://iranwire.com/en/iran/107958-exclusive-irgc-commanders-families-placed-in-tehran-safe-house; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946; Parisa Hafezi, “Iranians keep up protests over Mahsa Amini death despite mounting fatalities,” Reuters, October 12, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranians-keep-up-protests-over-mahsa-amini-death-despite-growing-death-toll-2022-10-12.

Given the IRGC’s violent crackdown on protestors, on October 6, 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Javani as an SDN for acting on behalf of the IRGC.“Iran-related Designations and Designation Update; Non-Proliferation Designation Update; Burma-related Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20221006.

Eisa Zarepour is the U.S.-designated minister of communications of Iran. On October 6, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Zarepour as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for his role in suppressing dissent throughout Iran by engaging in censorship that prohibits or limits freedom of expression.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran.

Zarepour reportedly earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Razi University, a master’s degree in computer engineering from Sharif University of Technology, and a doctoral degree from the University of New South Wales, Australia.Fateme Mokhtari, “Who is Isa Zarepour, the proposed minister of communications of the 13th government,” Tehran Times, August 21, 2021, https://www.zoomit.ir/tech-iran/373611-who-is-eisa-zarepour.

In 2005, Zarepour became the head of the Information Technology and Digital Media Development Center of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Zarepour continued to advance throughout the ministry, and a few years later in 2009, he was elected to exemplary director. Within that role, he launched discussions of the monitoring and support mechanisms regarding Internet sites. In 2018, he was appointed as the head of the Judiciary’s Statistics and Information Technology Center.Fateme Mokhtari, “Who is Isa Zarepour, the proposed minister of communications of the 13th government,” Tehran Times, August 21, 2021, https://www.zoomit.ir/tech-iran/373611-who-is-eisa-zarepour. A few years later, under the government of President Ebrahim Raisi, Zarepour was appointed minister of information and communications technology on August 25, 2021.Eisa Zarepour,” IFMAT, https://www.ifmat.org/10/06/eisa-zarepour.

In September 2022, Iran’s military and governmental agencies joined in violently suppressing and censoring protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. On September 22, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—an Iranian government agency tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats—issued a statement of support for Iranian police in combating the protests and accused protesters of sedition. At least 201 protesters were killed since the protests began after confrontations with Iranian security forces, but information has been limited due to disrupted and limited Internet access throughout the country.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” Bloomberg, September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq; “Exclusive: IRGC Commanders’ Families Placed in Tehran ‘Safe House,” Iran Wire, September 26, 2022, https://iranwire.com/en/iran/107958-exclusive-irgc-commanders-families-placed-in-tehran-safe-house; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946; Parisa Hafezi, “Iranians keep up protests over Mahsa Amini death despite mounting fatalities,” Reuters, October 12, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranians-keep-up-protests-over-mahsa-amini-death-despite-growing-death-toll-2022-10-12.

Zarepour has directly endorsed the censorship of protestors and social media platforms in the hopes of slowing down the protests. He has also reiterated that limited Internet access and online censorship will continue for as long as protests persist. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20221006.

Given Zarepour’s stance on limiting dissent, on October 6, 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Zarepour as an SDN for his role in engaging in censorship or other activities that prohibited or limited freedom of expression, assembly, or access to print or broadcast media.“Iran-related Designations and Designation Update; Non-Proliferation Designation Update; Burma-related Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20221006. The European Union followed suit, and on October 17, Zarepour was added to the EU’s sanctions list for his role in shutting down internet access and prohibiting the free flow of information.“Iran: EU sanctions perpetrators of serious human rights violations,” Council of the European Union, October 17, 2022, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/10/17/iran-eu-sanctions-perpetrators-of-serious-human-rights-violations/.

Ahmad Vahidi is the U.S.-designated minister of the interior of Iran.“Treasury Sanctions Iranian Leaders Responsible for Internet Shutdown and Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0994. The U.S. Department of the Treasury first designated Vahidi as a Specially Designated National (SDN) on June 16, 2010, for ties to Iran’s nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. The Treasury Department later amended Vahidi’s designation on October 6, 2022, for his role in ordering or controlling the commission of serious human rights abuses against Iranian citizens or residents.“Treasury Sanctions Iranian Leaders Responsible for Internet Shutdown and Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0994.

Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Vahidi joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an Iranian government agency tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats. A couple of years later, in 1981, Vahidi was appointed deputy chief of intelligence. During that time, Vahidi simultaneously held the role of commander of the Balaal base, which was reportedly used for planning and directing operations outside of Iran.Muhammad Sahimi, “The IRGC Strategic Brain Trust | Part 1: Ghasem Soleimani and Ahmad Vahidi,” August 1, 2012, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2012/08/the-guards-strategic-brain-trust-part-1-ghasem-soleimani-and-ahmad-vahidi.html.

Vahidi later joined the IRGC-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) in 1983. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was reportedly impressed by Vahidi’s performance, and appointed Vahidi as commander of the IRGC-QF in 1990. During his tenure with the IRGC-QF, Vahidi was allegedly involved in the bombing of a Jewish cultural center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 18, 1994. The explosion killed 85 people and wounded 250. Vahidi was later connected to the bombings after two Argentine prosecutors accused the Islamic Republic of directing the operation. In November 2007, Interpol placed Vahidi, along with six other people, on the Interpol Red Notice List.Muhammad Sahimi, “The IRGC Strategic Brain Trust | Part 1: Ghasem Soleimani and Ahmad Vahidi,” August 1, 2012, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2012/08/the-guards-strategic-brain-trust-part-1-ghasem-soleimani-and-ahmad-vahidi.html; “INTERPOL General Assembly upholds Executive Committee decision on AMIA Red Notice dispute,” INTERPOL, November 7, 2007, https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2007/INTERPOL-General-Assembly-upholds-Executive-Committee-decision-on-AMIA-Red-Notice-dispute.

Despite his connection to the bombing, Vahidi held the role of commander of the IRGC-QF until 1997 when he was transferred to the Ministry of Defense. At the ministry, Vahidi was appointed deputy minister for planning. He held that role until 2005 when he was appointed as chief deputy to the defense minister.Muhammad Sahimi, “The IRGC Strategic Brain Trust | Part 1: Ghasem Soleimani and Ahmad Vahidi,” August 1, 2012, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2012/08/the-guards-strategic-brain-trust-part-1-ghasem-soleimani-and-ahmad-vahidi.html.

Beginning in September 2009, Vahidi served as Iran’s minister of defense and armedforces logistics (MODAFL). MODAFL has ultimate authority over Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) and Iran’s Defense Industries Organization (DIO). During his four-year term as defense minister, Vahidi pushed to produce a wide range of conventional weapons, including tanks, fighter planes, missiles, and armored personnel carriers.“Ahmad Vahidi: Islamic Republic of Iran Minister of Interior,” United Against Nuclear Iran, https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/ahmad-vahidi-islamic-republic-of-iran-minister-of-interior; “Fact Sheet: U.S. Treasury Department Targets Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programs,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 16, 2010, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/tg747. Shortly after his appointment, Vahidi was designated as an SDN by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on June 16, 2010. The designation was due to Vahidi’s ties to Iran’s nuclear and WMD programs.“Fact Sheet: U.S. Treasury Department Targets Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programs,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 16, 2010, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/tg747.

Between 2013 and 2016, Vahidi directed the Defense Strategic Research Center, the research arm of the Armed Forces General Staff. In 2014, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Vahidi as a Foreign Affairs Strategic Council advisory body member. In 2016, he left the Defense Strategic Research Center to direct the Supreme National Defense University.“Ahmad Vahidi: Islamic Republic of Iran Minister of Interior,” United Against Nuclear Iran, https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/ahmad-vahidi-islamic-republic-of-iran-minister-of-interior.

Vahidi was appointed Iran’s minister of the interior in August 2021.“Foreign Ministry condemns appointment of new Iranian interior minister,” Jerusalem Post, August 11, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/iran-appoints-new-interior-minister-wanted-by-interpol-676458. As interior minister, Vahidi maintains oversight over all Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) deployed to subdue protests in Iran. The LEF is notorious for using violence against protestors which has resulted in thousands of deaths.“Treasury Sanctions Iranian Leaders Responsible for Internet Shutdown and Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0994.

The LEF are one component of Iran’s extensive security apparatus, which among others, includes the IRGC and the Basij. The Basij is a paramilitary organization charged with channeling popular support for the Iranian regime.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. In September 2022, the IRGC and the Basij joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s morality police, the Guidance Patrol, earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. On September 22, the IRGC issued a statement of support for Iranian police in combating the protests and accused protesters of sedition. At least 201 protesters were killed since the protests began after confrontations with Iranian security forces, but information has been limited due to disrupted and limited Internet access throughout the country.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” Bloomberg, September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq; “Exclusive: IRGC Commanders’ Families Placed in Tehran ‘Safe House,” Iran Wire, September 26, 2022, https://iranwire.com/en/iran/107958-exclusive-irgc-commanders-families-placed-in-tehran-safe-house; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946; Parisa Hafezi, “Iranians keep up protests over Mahsa Amini death despite mounting fatalities,” Reuters, October 12, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranians-keep-up-protests-over-mahsa-amini-death-despite-growing-death-toll-2022-10-12.

Vahidi has publicly warned Iranian women who do not comply with hijab regulations that the government’s security forces will penalize those “breaking rules.” Following the 2022 protests, Vahidi has also explicitly threatened protesters who continue to challenge the regime and has defended the brutal actions of LEF officers in repressing demonstrations.“Treasury Sanctions Iranian Leaders Responsible for Internet Shutdown and Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0994.

On October 6, 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department amended Vahidi’s designation to include his role in the abuse and violence against Iranian citizens and the violation of the rights of peaceful Iranian protestors.“Treasury Sanctions Iranian Leaders Responsible for Internet Shutdown and Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, October 6, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0994.

Mohammad Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi is the U.S.-designated head of Iran’s Gasht-e Ershad (Guidance Patrol), or morality police.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. On September 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Rostami as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for his role in having acted on the behalf of Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (LEF).“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran.

Rostami serves as the head of Iran’s morality police which is a component of the LEF. Under Rostami’s command, the security force has demonstrated a culture of violence and excessive force, resulting in unjust treatment of those who disobey the country’s laws against immodesty and societal vices. In early 2022, Rostami demonstrated his hardline tactics, announcing that the morality police would punish Iranian women who refuse to wear a hijab.“Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969.

The morality police, or Guidance Patrol, are one component of Iran’s extensive security apparatus, which among others, includes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij. The IRGC is an Iranian government agency tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats, of which the Basij, is a paramilitary organization charged with channeling popular support for the Iranian regime.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. In September 2022, the IRGC and the Basij joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s Guidance Patrol earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. On September 22, the IRGC issued a statement of support for Iranian police in combating the protests and accused protesters of sedition. At least 57 protesters were killed since the protests began after confrontations with Iranian security forces, but information has been limited due to disrupted and limited Internet access throughout the country.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” Bloomberg, September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq; “Exclusive: IRGC Commanders’ Families Placed in Tehran ‘Safe House,” Iran Wire, September 26, 2022, https://iranwire.com/en/iran/107958-exclusive-irgc-commanders-families-placed-in-tehran-safe-house; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946.

Given Rostami’s previous commands of violence and unjust treatment towards those who disobey the country’s laws, on September 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Rostami as an SDN for acting on behalf of the government of Iran and being complicit in the commission of serious human rights against Iranian citizens or residents.“Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969. The European Union followed suit, and on October 17, the EU added Rostami to its sanctions list for his role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to protests in Iran.“Iran: EU sanctions perpetrators of serious human rights violations,” Council of the European Union, October 17, 2022, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/10/17/iran-eu-sanctions-perpetrators-of-serious-human-rights-violations/.

Haj Ahmad Mirzaei is the U.S.-designated head of the Tehran division of Iran’s Gasht-e Ershad (Guidance Patrol), which is also known as the morality Police.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. On September 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Abnoush as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for having acted on the behalf of Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (LEF).“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran.

Iran’s morality police is the component of the LEF that enforces the country’s laws against immodesty and societal vices.“Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969M. Mirzaei is the head of the Tehran division, whereas Mohammad Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi, is the national head of the security force.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. In early 2022, Rostami announced that the morality police would punish Iranian women who refuse to wear a hijab.“Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969M.

The morality police, or Guidance Patrol, is one agency within Iran’s extensive security apparatus, which also includes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij. The IRGC is an Iranian government agency tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats, of which the Basij, is a paramilitary organization charged with channeling popular support for the Iranian regime.“Designating Iran’s Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran,” U.S. Department of State, September 22, 2022, https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran. In September 2022, the IRGC and the Basij joined in violently suppressing protests that erupted after the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being detained by Tehran’s Guidance Patrol earlier in the month. The Guidance Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later. In response, protests erupted across the country against Iran’s theocratic rule. On September 22, the IRGC issued a statement of support for Iranian police in combating the protests and accused protesters of sedition. At least 57 protesters were killed since the protests began after confrontations with Iranian security forces, but information has been limited due to disrupted and limited Internet access throughout the country.Arsalan Shahla, “Iran Launches Artillery Against Militants in Northern Iraq,” Bloomberg, September 24, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-24/iran-launches-artillery-against-militants-in-northern-iraq; “Exclusive: IRGC Commanders’ Families Placed in Tehran ‘Safe House,” Iran Wire, September 26, 2022, https://iranwire.com/en/iran/107958-exclusive-irgc-commanders-families-placed-in-tehran-safe-house; “IRGC will not hesitate to target origin of any anti-Iran operation wherever it may be: General,” Press TV, September 27, 2022, https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/09/27/689915/IRGC-will-not-hesitate-target-origin-any-anti-Iran-operation-General; Caitlin McFall, “The Guardian Patrol sent Amini to a detention center to undergo re-education when they claimed she was not wearing a hijab properly. She died three days later.,” Fox News, September 24, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/world/protestors-clash-revolutionary-guard-northern-iran-torch-irgc-base-reports; “Iran’s Guards Break Their Silence, Warn Protesters,” Iran International, September 22, 2022, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202209229946.

Mirzaei’s division of the morality police was directly responsible for Amini’s death. Given this association, on September 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Mirzaei as an SDN for his acting on behalf of the LEF.“Treasury Sanctions Iran’s Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 22, 2022, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969M. The European Union followed suit, and on October 17, the EU added Mirzaei to its sanctions list for his role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to protests in Iran.“Iran: EU sanctions perpetrators of serious human rights violations,” Council of the European Union, October 17, 2022, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/10/17/iran-eu-sanctions-perpetrators-of-serious-human-rights-violations/.