Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that the United States is imposing visa restrictions on 18 Iranian government officials in response to the regime’s sweeping internet shutdown.

According to the State Department, Iranian authorities enacted a near-total nationwide blackout that sharply curtailed independent reporting and restricted citizens’ ability to communicate with the outside world. The department said the shutdown was unprecedented in scope and duration and was designed to prevent documentation of alleged abuses as anti-government protests continued.

“The regime imposed a near-total nationwide internet shutdown, unprecedented in scope and duration, that severely restricted independent documentation of abuses and cut Iranians off from the world,” the statement said, adding that authorities continue to limit basic freedoms.

President Donald Trump has previously warned that further restrictions on civil liberties could trigger additional U.S. action, including the possibility of renewed strikes.

Rubio said the visa restrictions are part of a broader effort to hold Iranian officials accountable and reaffirmed U.S. support for the Iranian people. “The United States will continue to stand with the right of the Iranian people to free expression,” the statement read. “We will continue to use all tools available to expose and promote accountability for the abuses by Iranian regime officials and other individuals.”

The announcement signals continued pressure from Washington as tensions remain high between the U.S. and Tehran over human rights and regional security concerns.