EU Sanctions 16 Iranians Over January Crackdown as Pope Calls on Press to 'Show the Face of War'

The Council of the European Union on Monday imposed restrictive measures on 16 individuals and 3 entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran. The listings target individuals and groups that played a key role in suppressing street protests in January 2026, which resulted in thousands of civilian casualties. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans.

EU foreign ministers also held talks Monday on the broader regional crisis, ultimately deciding against expanding their naval operations in the Middle East.

In a separate development, Pope Leo XIV — the first American to lead the Catholic Church — called on news organisations to show "the face of war" and to tell stories "through the eyes of victims." In a social media post, Pope Leo warned against journalism becoming propaganda, saying it was "every journalist's duty to verify the news, so as not to become a megaphone for power."

His comments were seen as directed in part at the challenges of covering the Iran conflict, where authorities have largely cut off internet access and tightly control communications, making independent verification of events difficult.

US President Donald Trump said Monday he had requested to delay a planned trip to China because of the war, saying he felt he needed to remain in Washington. Trump had previously indicated he was seeking China's involvement in securing the Strait of Hormuz, though Beijing has not publicly committed to any role.

Iran's top diplomat told CBS News he currently sees no reason to negotiate, as Tehran continued launching strikes across the region.