WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. issued sanctions Thursday against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s deputy chief of staff and more than 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 said the U.S. is trying to help Iranians exercise freedom of expression, even as they face Internet blockages and a lack of communications access in the run-up to Iran’s June 14 presidential election. The U.S. says it is part of an effort by Tehran to stifle dissent.

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