Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked the privilege of high-ranking Iranian officials and their families to be in the U.S. following a deadly crackdown in the country, according to a State Department announcement.

The secretary’s move followed weeks of demonstrations against Iran’s Islamic government that prompted a violent crackdown. Two high-ranking Iranian Ministry of Health officials previously said the government’s own death count reached around 30,000 on Jan. 8 and 9. President Donald Trump has warned Iran could face U.S. military strikes if a deal isn’t struck.

“Those who profit from the Iranian regime’s brutal oppression are not welcome to benefit from our immigration system,” the State Department wrote.

As the people of Iran continue to fight for their basic rights, @SecRubio took action this week to revoke the privilege of Iranian senior officials and their family members to be in the United States. Those who profit from the Iranian regime’s brutal oppression are not welcome to…

— Department of State (@StateDept) January 29, 2026

This comes after speculation that the U.S. will become involved in the ongoing unrest in Iran. U.S. officials said Trump is weighing whether to strike the country, Reuters reported. The president previously stated that he would take action against the middle eastern nation if protesters continued to be killed.

Trump warned that there is a “massive Armada is heading to Iran” in a statement posted Jan. 28 to Truth Social. “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!” the president continued.

Rubio spoke to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Jan. 28, telling lawmakers that Iran’s “regime is probably weaker than it’s ever been,” according to the BBC. Many citizens are furious over the collapsing economy and government corruption.