US puts sanctions on top aide of Iran's ayatollah

The US has issued sanctions against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's deputy chief of staff and over 50 other Iranian government officials for alleged human rights abuses, while making it easier for Americans to export advanced communications equipment to Iranian civilians.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki says the US wants to help Iranians exercise freedom of expression. It accuses Iran of blocking Internet and communications access to silence dissent ahead of its June 14 presidential election. (AP)