U.S. Sanctions Khamenei Financier Ali Ansari

The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Dubai-based Iranian financier Ali Ansari on Friday, saying he oversees a global asset network benefiting Mojtaba Khamenei and other regime elites. Treasury said Ansari diverted public wealth into overseas real estate and commercial holdings, and also designated Smart Global Limited, three Iranian currency exchange houses, their controlling partners and two front companies tied to sanctioned-bank flows. The action followed Iran's renewed attacks on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and freezes U.S.-linked property of listed persons or entities. For Israel and its allies, the move targets money channels that help Tehran's leadership, the IRGC and regime-linked regional pressure survive sanctions and deterrence.