What U.S. Sanctions on Iran’s Top Ayatollah Mean

With the U.S. already sanctioning almost 1,000 Iranian entities, President Donald Trump had limited choices when he opted to impose new penalties to punish Iran’s downing of a U.S. Navy drone in the Persian Gulf last week. In the event, he went big, directly targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among other officials. Through his position, Khamenei, 79, oversees extensive holdings in Iran. However, the U.S. measures against him aren’t likely to have much impact beyond the serious stress previous curbs are already putting on Iran’s economy.

They block any assets in the U.S. or within its control that belong to Khamenei or his office, anyone appointed by him or his office, or anyone who’s assisted or acted on behalf of the properties. They also bar any bank that facilitates a significant transaction with those parties from the U.S. financial system.