United States sanctions against Iran#Obama presidency
{{Short description|Trade restrictions levied by the United States government}}
File:iranair.b747.arp.750pix.jpg. Iranian registered commercial airplanes (such as this Iran Air Boeing 747-100B for example) were also banned from entering U.S. airspace due to the sanctions.]]
Following the Iranian Revolution, the United States has since 1979 applied various economic, trade, scientific and military sanctions against Iran. United States economic sanctions are administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), an agency of the United States Department of the Treasury.Haidar, J.I., 2017."[https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/haidar/files/haidar-sanctionsandexportdeflection-finaldraft.pdf Sanctions and Exports Deflection: Evidence from Iran]," Economic Policy (Oxford University Press), April 2017, Vol. 32(90), pp. 319-355. As of 2025, United States sanctions against Iran include an embargo on dealings with the country by the United States, and a ban on selling aircraft and repair parts to Iranian aviation companies.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}{{update inline|date=May 2024|?=yes}}
The United States has imposed sanctions against Iran in response to the Iranian nuclear program and Iranian support for Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestine Islamic Jihad, that are considered terrorist organizations by the United States. Iranian support for the Shia militias in Iraq and the Houthi movement in the Yemen civil war are also in contention.
On 17 May 2018, the European Commission announced its intention to implement the blocking statute of 1996 to declare United States sanctions against Iran null and void in Europe and ban European citizens and companies from complying with them. The EC also instructed the European Investment Bank to facilitate European companies' investment in Iran.{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.com/en/eu-to-reactivate-blocking-statute-against-us-sanctions-on-iran-for-european-firms/a-43826992 |title=EU to reactivate ′blocking statute′ against US sanctions on Iran for European firms |newspaper=Deutsche Welle|date=17 May 2018|access-date= 17 May 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/iran-nuclear-eu-response/eu-to-start-iran-sanctions-blocking-law-process-on-friday-idUSL5N1SO4W2 |title=EU to start Iran sanctions blocking law process on Friday |work=Reuters|date=17 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/eu-moves-block-sanctions-iran-180517134848253.html |title=EU moves to block US sanctions on Iran |agency=Al Jazeera|date=17 May 2018 |access-date= 17 May 2018}}
Legal basis
United States sanctions can be imposed under the National Emergencies Act (NEA) of 1976, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 and the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 (ILSA, later renamed to Iran Sanctions Act (ISA)). Declarations under NEA and IEEPA must be renewed annually to remain in effect. Another sanctions law is the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017.
Carter presidency
United States President Carter imposed sanctions against Iran in November 1979 after radical students seized the United States Embassy in Tehran and took hostages, after the United States permitted the exiled Shah of Iran to enter the United States for medical treatment.Moin Khomeini, (2000), p.220 {{Executive Order|12170}} froze about US$8.1 billion in Iranian assets, including bank deposits, gold and other properties. It also imposed a trade embargo. The sanctions were lifted in January 1981 as part of the Algiers Accords, which was a negotiated settlement of the hostages’ release.Charles Nelson Brower and Jason D. Brueschke, The Iran-United States Claims Tribunal (1998) p. 7 [https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=hostage+release+1981+billions+assets&num=10 online].
Reagan presidency
United States President Ronald Reagan imposed an arms embargo in 1983 on Iran, including United States military spare parts to the military during the Iran–Iraq War (1981–1988).{{Cite web |date=2010-10-05 |title=The Reagan Administration |url=https://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/reagan-administration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028103421/http://iranprimer.usip.org/resource/reagan-administration |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 28, 2010 |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=The Iran Primer |language=en}}
An embargo on Iranian goods and services was imposed in 1987 in response to Iran's actions from 1981 to 1987 against the United States and other vessels in the Persian Gulf and because of Iran's support for terrorism.{{cite news |first=Josh |last=Levs |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/23/world/meast/iran-sanctions-facts/index.html |title=A summary of sanctions against Iran |work=CNN |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510051142/https://www.cnn.com/2012/01/23/world/meast/iran-sanctions-facts/index.html |archive-date=10 May 2018 |url-status=live }}
Clinton presidency
United States President Bill Clinton imposed some of the toughest sanctions against Iran in March 1995, during the presidency of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in response to the Iranian nuclear program and Iranian support for Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestine Islamic Jihad, that are considered terrorist organizations by the United States under {{Executive Order|12957}}, to prohibit the United States from trading in Iran's oil industry. In May 1995 Clinton also issued {{Executive Order|12959}} to prohibit the United States from trading with Iran. Trade with the United States, which had been growing since the end of the Iran–Iraq War, ended abruptly.
=Iran and Libya Sanctions Act=
{{Main|Iran and Libya Sanctions Act}}
{{see also|Blocking statute}}
The Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) was signed into law on 5 August 1996 by President Clinton.{{cite web|last=Katzman|first=Kenneth|title=Iran Sanctions |url=http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RS20871.pdf |agency=Congressional Research Service |publisher=Federation of American Scientists|access-date=29 July 2013|date=13 June 2013}} ISA (the renamed ILSA in 2006) targets both American and non-American businesses that make investments over $20 million in Iran for the development of petroleum resources in Iran. They face having imposed against them two out of seven possible penalties by the United States:Wright, Steven. The United States and Persian Gulf Security: The Foundations of the War on Terror, Ithaca Press, 2007 {{ISBN|978-0863723216}}
- denial of Export-Import Bank assistance,
- denial of export licenses for exports to the violating company,
- prohibition on loans or credits from United States financial institutions of over $10 million in any 12-month period,
- prohibition on designation as a primary dealer for United States government debt instruments,
- prohibition on serving as an agent of the United States or as a repository for U.S. government funds,
- denial of United States government procurement opportunities (consistent with WTO obligations), and
- a ban on all or some imports of the violating company.
ISA was extended several times under the presidency of George W. Bush, and on December 1, 2016, it was extended under President Barack Obama, before vacating office, for a further ten years.{{cite news|last1=Zengerle|first1=Patricia|title=Extension of Iran Sanctions Act passes U.S. Congress|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-nuclear-usa-sanctions-idUSKBN13Q5JW|access-date=2 December 2016|work=Reuters|date=1 December 2016}}
=Early Khatami government=
After the election of Iranian reformist President Mohammad Khatami in 1997, President Clinton eased sanctions on Iran. In 2000 the sanctions for items such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, caviar and Persian rugs were reduced.
Bush presidency
{{See also|Iran–United States relations during the George W. Bush administration}}
In February 2004, during the final year of Khatami's presidency, the United States Department of the Treasury in the presidency of George W. Bush ruled against editing or publishing scientific manuscripts from Iran, and stated that the American scientists collaborating with Iranians could be prosecuted. As a consequence, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) temporarily stopped editing manuscripts from Iranian researchers and took steps to clarify the OFAC guidelines concerning its publishing and editing activities. In April 2004 IEEE received a response from OFAC which fully resolved that no licenses were needed for publishing works from Iran and that the entire IEEE publication process including peer review and editing was exempt from restrictions."US Reverses Journal Embargo", The Scientist, 7 April 2004 On the other hand, the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which publishes Science, refused to comply, saying that the prohibition on publishing goes against freedom of speech.{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1038/427663a|pmid = 14973440|title = Publishers split over response to US trade embargo ruling|journal = Nature|volume = 427|issue = 6976|pages = 663|year = 2004|last1 = Brumfiel|first1 = Geoff|bibcode = 2004Natur.427Q.663B|doi-access = free}}
File:650-fifth-avenue.jpg on the edge of Rockefeller Center which it said was co-owned by Bank Melli.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/17/AR2008121703844_pf.html|title=U.S. Links Iranian Bank to Fifth Avenue Building|newspaper=Washington Post|date=18 December 2008|first=Glenn|last=Kessler|access-date=26 May 2010}}]]
After being elected president in 2005, President Ahmadinejad lifted the suspension of uranium enrichment that had been agreed with the EU3, and the International Atomic Energy Agency reported Iran's non-compliance with its safeguards agreement to the UN Security Council. The United States government then began pushing for UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.{{cite news|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D890900D-A483-4C19-86C8-41F35135090D.htm |archive-url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20100418234826/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D890900D-A483-4C19-86C8-41F35135090D.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2010 |title=Iraq prime minister to visit Iran |agency=Al Jazeera |date=9 September 2006}}
In June 2005, President George W. Bush issued {{Executive Order|13382}} freezing the assets of individuals connected with Iran's nuclear program.{{cite web|url=https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Documents/whwmdeo.pdf|title=Executive Order 13382—Blocking Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and Their Supporters|publisher=www.treasury.gov|date=June 28, 2005|access-date=May 18, 2020 }} In June 2007, the U.S. state of Florida enacted a boycott on companies trading with Iran and Sudan, while New Jersey's state legislature was considering similar action.{{cite news|url=http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1181813036172&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull|title=New Jersey mulls banning Iran investments|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=14 June 2007}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 1737 in December 2006, Resolution 1747 in March 2007, Resolution 1803 in March 2008, and Resolution 1929 in June 2010.
=Banking sanctions=
Iranian financial institutions are barred from directly accessing the U.S. financial system, but they are permitted to do so indirectly through banks in other countries. In September 2006, the United States government imposed sanctions on Bank Saderat Iran, barring it from dealing with U.S. financial institutions, even indirectly. The move was announced by Stuart Levey, the undersecretary for the US Treasury, who accused the major state-owned bank in Iran of transferring funds for certain groups, including Hezbollah. Levey said that since 2001 a Hezbollah-controlled organization had received $50 million directly from Iran through Bank Saderat. He said the United States government would also persuade European banks and financial institutions not to deal with Iran.[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200609/09/eng20060909_301143.html U.S. imposes sanctions on Iranian bank], People's Daily, 9 September 2006 The following Iranian banks were prohibited from transferring money to or from United States banks:John B. Reynolds, III, Amy E. Worlton and Cari N. Stinebower, "U.S. Dollar Transactions with Iran are Subject to New Restrictions – Tough Policy Decisions Face International Financial Institutions", Wiley Rein LLP, 28 November 2007
- Bank Sepah
- Bank Saderat Iran
- Bank Melli Iran
- Bank Kargoshaee (aka Kargosa’i Bank)
- Arian Bank (aka Aryan Bank)
In other words, these banks were placed on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals List (SDN List). The SDN List is a directory of entities and individuals who have been prohibited from accessing the U.S. financial system. Although difficult there are ways to carry out an OFAC SDN List removal.{{Cite web|url=https://sanctionlaw.com/ofac-sdn-list-removals-ofac-sdn-list-designations/|title=OFAC SDN List Removals; OFAC SDN List Designations -|date=February 25, 2011}}
As of early 2008, the targeted banks, such as Bank Mellat, had been able to replace banking relationships with a few large sanction-compliant banks with relationships with a larger number of smaller non-compliant banks.[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a05a3cb2-6f9f-11dd-986f-0000779fd18c.html?nclick_check=1 "Iran gets around US bank sanctions", By Najmeh Bozorgmehr in Tehran], Financial Times, August 21, 2008. In 2008, the United States Department of the Treasury ordered Citigroup Inc. to freeze over $2 billion held for Iran in Citigroup accounts.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BB0ID20091212| newspaper=Reuters|title=U.S. froze $2 billion held for Iran in Citibank: report|date=12 December 2009}}{{cite news|last=Solomon |first=Jay|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204632204577129103296611964 |title=Iran to File Motion in U.S. Court to Unfreeze Funds|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=30 December 2011|access-date=6 April 2013}}
For individuals and small businesses, these banking restrictions have created a large opportunity for the hawala market, which allows Iranians to transfer money to and from foreign countries using an underground unregulated exchange system.Farnaz Fassihi and Chip Cummins, [http://www.iranfocus.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14153 "Iranians scheme to elude sanctions"], Wall Street Journal, 6 February 2008 In June 2010, in the case United States v. Banki, the use of the hawala method of currency transfer led to a criminal conviction against a U.S. citizen of Iranian origin. Banki was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison; however, on the sentencing guidelines, this type of offense could result in imprisonment of up to 20 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussc.gov/guidelines/archive/2010-federal-sentencing-guidelines-manual|title=2010 Federal Sentencing Guidelines Manual|date=October 28, 2013|website=United States Sentencing Commission}}
Obama presidency
{{See also|Iran–United States relations during the Obama administration}}
On June 24, 2010, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (CISADA), signed into law by President Obama on July 1, 2010. The CISADA greatly enhanced restrictions on Iran, including the rescission of the authorization for Iranian-origin imports for articles such as [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716000917/http://sanctionlaw.com/2010/08/21/no-more-rugs-pistachios-or-caviar-all-iranian-origin-imports-banned/ rugs, pistachios, and caviar]. In response, President Obama issued {{Executive Order|13553}} in September 2010 and {{Executive Order|13574}} in May 2011, and {{Executive Order|13590}} in November 2011.
The sanctions imposed on Iran at the beginning of 2012 "had persistent and significant effects on the Iranian economy. The cost reached its maximum of 19.1% of real gross domestic product 4 years after the application of the sanctions, and the economy has not fully recovered after their removal."{{Cite journal|last=Ghomi|first=Morteza|date=2022|title=Who is afraid of sanctions? The macroeconomic and distributional effects of the sanctions against Iran|journal=Economics & Politics|volume=34 |issue=3 |pages=395–428 |language=en|doi=10.1111/ecpo.12203|s2cid=245210799 |issn=1468-0343|doi-access=free|hdl=10016/34254|hdl-access=free}}
On 31 July 2013, members of the United States House of Representatives voted 400 to 20 in favor of toughened sanctions.{{cite news|title=Tehran is changing, pity about DC|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 August 2013 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/tehran-is-changing-pity-about-dc/article5004096.ece|access-date=9 August 2013|location=Chennai, India}}
The United States imposed additional financial sanctions against Iran, effective 1 July 2013. An administration official explained that according to the new Executive Order "significant transactions in the rial will expose anyone to sanctions," and predicted “it should cause banks and exchanges to dump their rial holdings.”{{cite news|title=U.S. Adds to Its List of Sanctions Against Iran |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/world/middleeast/us-adds-to-its-list-of-sanctions-against-iran.html?_r=0 |work=The New York Times |first=Rick |last=Gladstone |date=3 June 2013}} This took place as Iran's president-elect Hassan Rouhani was scheduled to take office on August 3, 2013.{{cite news|title=Iran's next president, Hassan Rouhani, seen as best hope for ending nuclear standoff with West |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/06/15/irans-next-president-hassan-rouhani-seen-as-best-hope-for-ending-nuclear-standoff-with-west/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}
=Sanctions against third parties=
In 2014, U.S. authorities put a $5 million bounty on Chinese businessman Li Fangwei, whom they alleged to have been instrumental in evading sanctions against Iran's missile programs.{{cite news |url=https://time.com/82221/karl-lee-li-fangwei-wanted-reward/ |title=Wanted: Li Fangwei, Alias Karl Lee. Reward: $5 Million |last1=Arrouas |first1=Michelle |date=30 April 2014 |magazine=Time |access-date=5 May 2014}}
In 2014, French bank BNP Paribas agreed to pay an $8.9 billion fine, the largest ever, for violating United States sanctions. Germany's Commerzbank, France's Credit Agricole and Swiss UBS have also been fined.{{cite news |title=French bank fined for violating US sanctions |url=https://www.dw.com/en/french-bank-fined-for-violating-us-sanctions/a-18792404 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=October 20, 2015}} French President François Hollande said: "When the (European) Commission goes after Google or digital giants which do not pay the taxes they should in Europe, America takes offence. And yet, they quite shamelessly demand 8 billion from BNP or 5 billion from Deutsche Bank."{{cite news |title=France's Hollande criticises huge U.S. fines against corporate Europe |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/france-politics-usa-idUSL8N1CI3B9 |work=Reuters |date=October 12, 2016}}
In 2015, Germany's largest bank Deutsche Bank was fined $258 million for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, Libya and Syria.{{cite news |title=U.S. Fines Deutsche Bank $258 Million for Violating Sanctions |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/us-fines-deutsche-bank-258-million-for-violating-iran-sanctions/27346099.html | work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty | date=November 5, 2015}}
=Iran nuclear deal=
Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (known commonly as the Iran nuclear deal), signed in July 2015, the United States agreed to cancel most of the U.S. sanctions against Iran, with some safeguard provisions, in return for limitations on Iran's nuclear program.
First Trump presidency
{{See also|Iran–United States relations during the first Trump administration}}
In April 2018, the United States Department of Justice joined the United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Department of Commerce to investigate possible violations of U.S. sanctions against Iran by China's Huawei.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/huawei-under-criminal-investigation-over-iran-sanctions-1524663728|title = Huawei Under Criminal Investigation over Iran Sanctions|newspaper = Wall Street Journal|date = 25 April 2018}} The U.S. inquiry stemmed from an earlier sanctions-violation probe that ultimately led to penalties against another Chinese technology company, ZTE Corporation.{{Cite web|url=https://mashable.com/article/ndaa-zte-huawei-ban|title = President Trump signs NDAA, banning government use of ZTE and Huawei technology|website = Mashable|date = 14 August 2018}}Sheridan Prasso (25 April 2018). [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-25/fbi-is-said-to-probe-huawei-for-possible-sanctions-violations "Huawei Said to Be Probed by FBI for Possible Iran Violations"]. Bloomberg Technology. Retrieved 9 August 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/25/the-doj-is-investigating-potential-huawei-violations-of-iran-sanctions/|title = The DOJ is investigating potential Huawei violations of Iran sanctions| date=25 April 2018 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/04/25/huawei-department-justice-investigation-violating-iran-sanctions/|title=Huawei is under Department of Justice investigation for violating Iran sanctions|date=25 April 2018}} Huawei's deputy chair and CFO Meng Wanzhou, daughter of the company's founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested in Vancouver, Canada on December 1, 2018, under an extradition request by United States authorities for allegedly putting HSBC bank at risk of violating U.S. sanctions on Iran.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/05/business/huawei-cfo-arrest-canada-extradition.html|title=A Top Huawei Executive Is Arrested in Canada for Extradition to the U.S.|last1=Wakabayashi|first1=Daisuke|date=2018-12-05|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-12-06|last2=Rappeport|first2=Alan}}{{Cite web|date=2021-09-24|title=Canada, China and US were all doomed to lose in Meng Wanzhou's case|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/sep/24/meng-wanzhou-canada-china-us-settlement-analysis|access-date=2021-09-28|website=the Guardian|language=en}}
In May 2019, the United States warned banks, investors, traders, and companies of the United Kingdom which trade with Iran through the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (Instex) special purpose vehicle, that they will be punished somehow by Washington.{{cite news |last1=Erlanger |first1=Steven |title=Nuclear Deal Traps E.U. Between Iran and U.S. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/08/world/europe/eu-iran-nuclear-sanctions.html |newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 May 2019 }}{{cite web |last1=Rasheed |first1=Zaheena |title='Dangerous game': US, Europe and the 'betrayal' of Iran |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/game-europe-betrayal-iran-190508204815694.html |website=aljazeera}}
The Trump administration imposed sanctions on two UAE based aviation companies, Parthia Cargo and Delta Parts Supply, that violated U.S. sanctions on Iran's Mahan Air by providing them logistics services and supplying parts to the Iranian airline. Federal prosecutors also filed criminal charges against one of the companies under violation of United States export control regulations.{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/us-hits-uae-based-aviation-firms-sanctions-iran-72470286|title=US hits UAE-based aviation firms with sanctions over Iran |access-date=19 August 2020|website=ABC News}}
=Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act=
{{see also|Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act}}
The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was enacted in August 2017 and imposed sanctions against Iran, as well as against Russia and North Korea."[https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/senate-overwhelmingly-passes-new-russia-and-iran-sanctions/2017/06/15/df9afc2a-51d8-11e7-91eb-9611861a988f_story.html Senate overwhelmingly passes new Russia and Iran sanctions]". The Washington Post. 15 June 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-nuclear-usa-sanctions-idUSKBN1AI2N0|title=Iran says new U.S. sanctions violate nuclear deal, vows 'proportional reaction' |date=2 August 2017 |newspaper=Reuters }} CAATSA requires the President to impose sanctions against: (1) Iran's ballistic missile or weapons of mass destruction programs, (2) the sale or transfer to Iran of military equipment or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, and (3) Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated foreign persons.{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3364 |title=H.R.3364 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act |first=Royce |last=Edward |date=August 2, 2017 |website=U.S. Congress |access-date=October 5, 2018}} The President may also impose sanctions against persons responsible for violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against individuals in Iran, and can waive the imposition or continuation of sanctions.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/plane-leaves-iran-with-post-reporter-other-americans-in-swap/2016/01/17/5dc7095c-bd21-11e5-9443-7074c3645405_story.html |title=Plane with freed Americans leaves Iran; U.S. imposes new sanctions |newspaper=Washington Post}}[https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/1.769482 Feb 03, 2017, U.S. Announces New Sanctions on Iran Over Ballistic Missile Test], Haaretz.
=Post-JCPOA sanctions=
In May 2018, the United States President Donald Trump announced an intention to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA or Iran nuclear deal), and subsequently imposed several new non-nuclear sanctions against Iran,{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-iran-nuclear-deal/|title=Trump, Iran nuclear deal|last1=Wagner|first1=Meg|last2=Rocha|first2=Veronica|date=8 May 2018|publisher=CNN}}. some of which were condemned by Iran as a violation of the deal.
These treasury and other arms of the government, both under Obama and Trump, have basically weakened the JCPOA extensively, which has kept a lot of the sanctions regime intact.{{vague|reason=What exactly are the sanctions? And what are its purposes?|date=January 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/12/people-protesting-iran-171230083612254.html|title=Why are people protesting in Iran?|date=30 November 2017|website=Al Jazeera}} In August 2018, the Trump administration reimposed sanctions and warned that anyone doing business with Iran will not be able to do business with the United States.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/iran-sanctions-trump-us-eu-nuclear-deal-trade-executive-order-latest-a8479806.html|title=Trump signs order reimposing sanctions on Iran - a move the EU said it 'deeply' regrets|last=Buncombe|first=Andrew|location=New York|date=6 August 2018|work=The Independent}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45098031|title=Iran sanctions: Trump warns trading partners|date=7 August 2018|publisher=BBC News}} However, the United States will be granting waivers to certain countries. For example, Iraq was granted a waiver that would allow the country to continue purchasing gas, energy and food products from Iran on the condition that the purchases were not paid for in United States dollars.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-sanctions-iraq-idUSKCN1N725U|title=U.S. to grant Iraq waiver over Iran sanctions for gas, food items:...|date=2 November 2018|publisher=Reuters|access-date=11 November 2018}}
In 2018, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) "ordered" the United States government to revoke the sanctions on the basis of the 1955 United States-Iran "Friendship Treaty", that had been signed with the government that had been overthrown by the 1979 Islamic Revolution.{{cite news |title=US ordered to halt 'humanitarian' Iran sanctions in blow for Donald Trump |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/international/2018/10/03/fgn15-un-us-ld%20iran.html |access-date=4 October 2018 |work=The Week |agency=Agence France Presse |date=3 October 2018 |quote=Judges in The Hague unanimously ruled that the sanctions on some goods breached a 1955 "friendship treaty" between Iran and the US that predates Iran's Islamic Revolution.}} In response, the United States withdrew from two international agreements with Iran.{{cite news |title=U.S. withdraws from international accords, says U.N. world court 'politicized' |url=https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN1MD2CP-OCATP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004053954/https://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN1MD2CP-OCATP |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=10 October 2018 |work=Reuters |date=4 October 2018}}
In October 2018, Reuters reported that JPMorgan Chase bank had "agreed to pay $5.3 million to settle allegations it violated Cuban Assets Control Regulations, Iranian sanctions and Weapons of Mass Destruction sanctions 87 times, the United States Treasury said".{{cite news |title=J.P. Morgan to settle allegations of violating sanctions: U.S. Treasury |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jpmorgan-sanctions/j-p-morgan-to-settle-allegations-of-violating-sanctions-u-s-treasury-idUSKCN1MF1UE |work=Reuters |date=October 5, 2018}}
British bank Standard Chartered faced a $1.5 billion fine by the U.S. agencies for violating Iran sanctions.{{cite news |title=StanChart braces for possible new Iran fine of about $1.5 billion: Bloomberg |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-stanchart-iran-usa/stanchart-braces-for-possible-new-iran-fine-of-about-1-5-billion-bloomberg-idUSKCN1MB35X |work=Reuters |date=October 1, 2018}}
In November 2018, the United States officially reinstated all sanctions against Iran that had been lifted before the United States withdrew from the JCPOA.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/05/politics/iran-sanctions/index.html|title=US officially reimposes all sanctions lifted under 2015 Iran nuclear deal|author=Donna Borak|author2=Nicole Gaouette|website=CNN|date=5 November 2018|access-date=2019-01-31}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-03/trump-and-iran-sanctions/10462528 |title=Donald Trump restores Iran sanctions, hitting oil exports over its support for militant groups|date=2018-11-03|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-01-31}}
In April 2019, the United States threatened to sanction countries continuing to buy oil from Iran after an initial six-month waiver announced in November expired.{{cite news |last1=Wroughton |first1=Lesley |title=U.S. to end all waivers on imports of Iranian oil, crude price jumps |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-oil/u-s-to-end-all-waivers-on-imports-of-iranian-oil-crude-price-jumps-idUSKCN1RX0R1 |access-date=22 April 2019 |work=Reuters |date=22 April 2019}}
In June 2019, Trump imposed sanctions on Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei, his office and those closely affiliated with his access to key financial resources.{{cite news |last1=Holland |last2=Kalin |first1=Steve |first2=Stephen |title=Trump puts sanctions on Iranian supreme leader, other top officials |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-iran-usa/trump-puts-sanctions-on-iranian-supreme-leader-other-top-officials-idUSKCN1TP13D |website=Reuters|date=25 June 2019 }}{{cite web|title=Donald Trump orders fresh sanctions against Iran's Ali Khamenei|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/24/mike-pompeo-us-saudi-arabia-talks-iran-united-arab-emirates-tensions|last1=Borger|first1=Julian|last2=Wintour|first2=Patrick|location=Washington, D.C.|date=24 June 2019|work=The Guardian}}
On 31 July 2019, the United States placed sanctions on Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/8/1/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-foreign-minister-zarif|title=US imposes sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif|date=1 August 2019|website=Al Jazeera}}
In August 2018, Total S.A. officially withdrew from the Iranian South Pars gas field because of sanctions pressure from the United States,{{cite news |title=French energy giant Total officially pulls out of Iran |url=https://www.dw.com/en/french-energy-giant-total-officially-pulls-out-of-iran/a-45150849 |publisher=DW.com |date=20 August 2018}} leaving CNPC to take up their 50.1% stake in the natural gas field, of which it had already 30%. It held this 80.1% share until it withdrew its investment in October 2019 due once again to the U.S. sanctions, according to Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh and the SHANA news agency.{{cite news |title=Iran says China's state oil firm withdraws from US$5-billion natural gas deal; U.S. sanctions may be to blame |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/article-iran-says-chinas-state-oil-firm-withdraws-from-us5-billion-natural/ |agency=Associated Press |publisher=The Globe and Mail Inc |date=6 October 2019}}
On 19 May 2020, the United States sanctions targeted Shanghai Saint Logistics Limited, a PRC-based company that provides general sales agent services for Mahan Air. The United States claimed that Iran used Mahan Air to carry gold of fuel sales of Venezuela.{{cite web |title=The United States Designates Company Providing Services for Iranian Airline Mahan Air's Operations in China |url=https://www.state.gov/the-united-states-designates-company-providing-services-for-iranian-airline-mahan-airs-operations-in-china/ |website=United States Department of State}} Also, Iran denied the allegation.{{cite web |last1=Faiola |last2=Ryan |last3=Cunningham |first1=Anthony |first2=Missy |first3=Erin |title=As tankers head toward the Caribbean, growing Iran-Venezuela ties draw U.S. concern |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/as-tankers-head-toward-the-caribbean-growing-iran-venezuela-ties-draw-us-concern/2020/05/21/1b35e048-99e7-11ea-ad79-eef7cd734641_story.html |website=washingtonpost}}
On 8 June 2020, the United States imposed new sanctions of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd (E-Sail).{{cite web |title=United States Designates Key Iranian Shipping Entities Under Proliferation Authority as Tehran Continues To Expand Proliferation Sensitive Activities PRESS STATEMENT |url=https://www.state.gov/united-states-designates-key-iranian-shipping-entities-under-proliferation-authority-as-tehran-continues-to-expand-proliferation-sensitive-activities/ |website=United States Department of State}}
The individuals and companies that had been added to United States sanctions list in 2018:{{cite web |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Publication of Updates to OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and 13599 List Removals |url=https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20181105_names |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226014438/https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20181105_names |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=United States Department of the Treasury}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
- Bahadori, Masoud
- Bateni, Naser
- Bazargan, Farzad
- Behzad, Morteza Ahmadali
- Cambis, Dimitris
- Chaghazardy, Mohammad Kazem
- Dajmar, Mohammad Hossein
- Eslami, Mansour
- Ghalebani, Ahmad
- Jashnsaz, Seifollah
- Khalili, Jamshid
- Khosrowtaj, Mojtaba
- Mohaddes, Seyed Mahmoud
- Moinie, Mohammad
- Nikousokhan, Mahmoud
- Parsaei, Reza
- Pouransari, Hashem
- Rezvanianzadeh, Mohammed Reza
- Saeedi, Mohammed
- Safdari, Seyed Jabe
- Seyyedi, Seyed Nasser Mohammad
- Suri, Muhammad
- Tabatabaei, Seyyed Mohammad Ali Khatibi
- Yazdanjoo, Mohammad Ali
- Yousefpour, Ali
- Ziracchian Zadeh, Mahmoud
- A.S.P. BUILDERS (A.S.P. Construction Company)
- AA Energy FZCO
- Advanced Technologies Company of Iran
- AEOI Basij Resistance Center
- Agricultural, Medical and Industrial Research Center
- Arash Shipping Enterprises limited
- Arta Shipping Enterprises Limited
- Asan Shipping Enterprise Limited
- ATLANTIC SHIPPING & TRANS
- Belize Shipping Line Services LTD
- Belize Ship and Logistics Limited
- Blue Tanker Shipping SA
- Bushehr Shipping Company Limited
- Arjan Electricity and Energy Generation Management
- Arman Resources Equip and Support Management
- ASCOTEC Holding GmbH
- ASCOTEC Japan K.K.
- ASCOTEC Mineral & Machinery GmbH
- ASCOTEC Science & Technology GMBH
- Ascotec Steel Trading GmbH
- Asia Energy General Trading LLC
- BIIS Maritime Limited
- Atieh Sazan Day
- Atlas Kian Qeshm
- Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
- Atomic Fuel Development Engineering Company
- Azar Investment
- Azar Pad Qeshm Co. (APCO)
- Azerbaijan Construction
- Iran Insurance Company
- Baghmisheh Residential Development
- Behsaz Kashane Tehran Construction Co
- Behsazan Pars Equipment Development
- Behshahr Industrial Development Corp
- Banco Internacional de Desarrollo C.A.
- Bandar Imam Petrochemical Company Ltd.
- BMIIC International General Trading
- Bou Ali Sina Petrochemical Co.
- Breyeller Stahl Technology GmbH & Co
- Buali Investment Company
- Caspian maritime Limited
- Cement Industry Investment and Development Company
- Commercial Pars Oil Company
- Credit Institution for Development
- Cylinder System L.T.D.
- Damavand Electricity and power engineering
- Damavand Power Generation Company
- Dana Integrated System for Electronic Interactions Co.
- Danesh Shipping Company Limited
- DARYA Capital Administration GmbH
- Daryanavard Kish
- Davar Shipping Co LTD
- Day Bank Brokerage Co.
- e-Commerce Day
- Day Exchange Company
- Day Investment Company
- Day Iranian Financial and Accounting Services Company
- Day Leasing Company
- Dena Tankers Fze
- Diamond Transportation Limited
- Diamond Transportation Limited Company
- EDBI Exchange Broker (EDBI Exchange Company)
- EDBI Stock Brokerage Company
- Eighth Ocean GmbH & Co. KG
- Seventh Ocean Administration GmbH
- Eleventh Ocean GmbH & Co. KG
- Amin Investment Bank
- Arian Bank
- Ayandeh Bank
- Bank Kargoshaee
- Bank Keshavarzi Iran
- Bank Maskan
- Bank Melli Iran
- Bank of Industry and Mine
- Bank Torgovoy Kapital Zao
- Bank Sepah
- Bank Sepah International PLC
- Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Shahr Bank
- Refah Bank
- Tejarat Bank
- Bank Day
- EN Bank
}}
== Iran reactions ==
File: Supreme Leader of Iran (Khamenei) and Opposing Negotiations with the United States.webm]]
On 8 May 2019, according to article 36 of the JCPOA agreement, Iran was allowed to reply in case of non-compliance by other signatories. President Rouhani announced that Iran was acting in reply to "the European countries' failure" and held on to stockpiles of excess uranium and heavy water used in nuclear reactors.{{cite web |title=Iran set to begin 'unlimited' nuclear research and development |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/iran-set-unlimited-nuclear-research-development-190906020712544.html |website=aljazeera}} Rouhani said that Iran gave a 60-day deadline to remaining signatories of the JCPOA to protect it from U.S. sanctions{{cite web |title=Iran nuclear deal in jeopardy after latest enrichment breach |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/07/un-inspectors-to-verify-iran-claim-it-has-broken-nuclear-deal |website=theguardian|date=7 July 2019 }} and provide additional economic support.{{cite news |title=Iran nuclear deal: Government announces enrichment breach |work=BBC News |date=7 July 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48899243 }} Otherwise, at the end of that deadline, Iran would exceed the limits on its stockpile of enriched uranium.{{cite web |last1=El-Ghobashy |last2=Birnbaum |last3=Morello |first1=Tamer |first2=Michael |first3=Carol |title=Iran announces it will stop complying with parts of landmark nuclear deal |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/iran-to-take-steps-to-reduce-its-commitment-to-landmark-nuclear-deal/2019/05/07/90cc3b1c-70fe-11e9-9331-30bc5836f48e_story.html |website=washingtonpost}} In September 2019, as a third major step to scale down commitments to the 2015 nuclear accord, after another 60-day deadline, Iran nullified all limits on nuclear research and development.{{cite web |title=Iran lifts more limits on nuclear programme as deal unravels |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/iran-lifts-limits-nuclear-nuclear-deal-unravels-190904200637149.html |website=aljazeera}}
=Sanctions against IRGC=
On 25 October 2007, the United States designated the Quds Force, a part of IRGC, a terrorist organization under Executive Order 13224, for providing material support to U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, prohibiting transactions between the group and U.S. citizens, and freezing any assets under United States jurisdiction.{{cite web|url=http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp644.aspx|title=Fact Sheet: Designation of Iranian Entities and Individuals for Proliferation Activities and Support for Terrorism|date=25 October 2007|publisher=U.S. Department of the Treasury|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110014318/http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp644.aspx|archive-date=10 November 2014|url-status=live}}
On 18 May 2011, the United States imposed sanctions on Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, along with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and other senior Syrian officials, due to Soleimani's alleged involvement in providing material support to the Syrian government.{{cite journal|last=Alfoneh |first=Ali |title=Iran's Most Dangerous General |url=http://www.aei.org/files/2011/07/13/MEO-2011-07-No-4-g.pdf |journal=Middle Eastern Outlook |date=July 2011 |volume=4 |access-date=18 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725085931/http://www.aei.org/files/2011/07/13/MEO-2011-07-No-4-g.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2012}} He was listed as a known terrorist, which forbade U.S. citizens from doing business with him.{{cite news|url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/iraq/story/32141.html|title=Iranian who brokered Iraqi peace is on U.S. terrorist watch list|newspaper=McClatchy Newspapers|date=31 March 2008|access-date=7 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718235649/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/iraq/story/32141.html|archive-date=18 July 2008|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/oct/94193.htm|title=Designation of Iranian Entities and Individuals for Proliferation Activities and Support for Terrorism|publisher=United States Department of State|date=25 October 2007|access-date=7 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204233237/http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/oct/94193.htm|archive-date=4 February 2009|url-status=live}}
On 8 April 2019, the United States imposed economic and travel sanctions on the IRGC and organizations, companies and individuals affiliated with it.{{cite news |last1=Wong |last2=Schmitt |first1=Edward |first2=Eric |title=Trump Designates Iran's Revolutionary Guards a Foreign Terrorist Group |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/08/world/middleeast/trump-iran-revolutionary-guard-corps.html |newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 April 2019 }}{{cite web |last1=Zimmt |first1=Dr. Raz |title=Hossein Salami The New Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps |url=https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/app/uploads/2019/05/E_093_19.pdf}} Hossein Salami was one of the individuals listed.
On 15 April 2019, the United States designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-idUSKCN1RR1BE|title=U.S. officially designates Iran's Revolutionary Guards a terrorist group|last=Brice|first=Makini|date=2019-04-15|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416230151/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-idUSKCN1RR1BE|archive-date=16 April 2019|url-status=live}} The designation is still in force.
On 21 April 2019, a few days before United States sanctions were due to take effect, Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed Hossein Salami as the new commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).{{Cite web |url=https://irannewsupdate.com/news/terrorism/6002-why-khamenei-changed-the-head-of-the-revolutionary-guards.html|title=Why Khamenei Changed the Head of the Revolutionary Guards?|last=Al Ketbi |first=Salem |website=irannewsupdate.com|date=May 2019|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-05-02}}{{cite news |last1=Hafezi |first1=Parisa |title=Khamenei names new chief for Iran's Revolutionary Guards |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-guards/khamenei-names-new-chief-for-irans-revolutionary-guards-idUSKCN1RX0JN |website=reuters|date=21 April 2019 }}
On 7 June 2019, the United States imposed sanctions on some of the petroleum industry in Iran because they were owned by the IRGC.{{cite news |last1=Chiacu |first1=Doina |title=New U.S. sanctions target Iran's petrochemical industry |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-sanctions/new-u-s-sanctions-target-irans-petrochemical-industry-idUSL2N23E0QL |website=reuters|date=7 June 2019 }}
On 24 June 2019, the US imposed sanctions on eight senior commanders of the navy, aerospace and ground forces components of IRGC.
In May 2020 the United States charged Iranian-Iraqi Amir Dianat and his Iranian business partner with money-laundering on behalf of the Quds Force and with violating sanctions.{{cite news |title=U.S. sanctions Iranian-Iraqi businessman over support of Iran's Quds Force |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-sanctions/us-imposes-iran-related-sanctions-on-mining-company-individual-treasury-website-idUSKBN22D5OL |access-date=3 May 2020 |work=Reuters |date=1 May 2020 |language=en}}
The Joe Biden administration levied the sanctions on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Crops officials on 1 June 2023, who were convicted for plotting assassination abroad, involving against John Bolton and Mike Pompeo. The sanctions targeted Mohammad Reza Ansari, an official with a unit of IRGC-Qods Force “tasked with undertaking covert operations abroad, including planning and conducting intelligence and lethal operations against Iranian dissidents and other non-Iranian nationals in the United States, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa”. The US sanctions will also affect Hossein Hafez Amini, a dual Iranian and Turkish national, for assisting the IRGC-QF's covert operations.{{Cite news |last=Hansler |first=Jennifer |date=2023-06-01 |title=US sanctions Iranian officials accused of plotting assassinations abroad including against Bolton and Pompeo |language=en |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/01/politics/us-iran-sanctions-assassination-plots/index.html|access-date=2023-06-07}}
=Other sanctions=
On 3 September 2019, Trump added the Iran Space Agency, the Iranian Astronautics Research Institute and the Iranian Space Research Center to its sanctions list.{{cite web|url=https://www.riskscreen.com/kyc360/news/u-s-sanctions-iran-space-agency-after-launch-trump-mocked/|title=U.S. Sanctions Iran Space Agency After Launch Trump Mocked|access-date=4 September 2019|website=Risk Screen}}
On 20 September 2019, the United States imposed sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), the National Development Fund of Iran (NDF) and Etemad Tejarate Pars Co., an Iranian company that was used to transfer money to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics.{{cite web |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm780|title=Treasury Sanctions Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund|access-date=6 October 2019 |website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY}}
In October 2019, the US imposed sanctions on some of the Iranian construction sector which is owned by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which it regards as a foreign terrorist organization. The US State Department also identified four “strategic materials” being used in connection with military, nuclear, or ballistic missile programs, making trade in them subject to sanctions. However, the department extended nuclear-cooperation waivers on Iran's civil nuclear program, renewing them for 90 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/11/01/new-us-sanctions-against-iran-nuclear-program-target-irgcs-control-of-construction-sector/|title=New US Sanctions Against Iran Nuclear Program Target IRGC's Control of Construction Sector|access-date=1 November 2019|website=The Algemeiner}}
On 4 November 2019, the United States imposed new sanctions on the core inner circle of advisers to the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The new sanctions included one of his sons, Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed head of Iran's judiciary, Ebrahim Raisi, the supreme leader's chief of staff, Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, and others. The Trump administration also issued $20 million to a reward for information about a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran 12 years previously.{{cite web|url=https://asumetech.com/iran-supreme-leaders-son-chief-of-team-amid-nine-top-rated-aides-sanctioned-by-us/|title=Iran Supreme Leader's Son, Chief of Team Amid Nine Top rated Aides Sanctioned by US|access-date=4 November 2019|website=Asume Tech|date=28 October 2019 }}
On 8 October 2020, the United States imposed further sanctions on Iran's financial sector, targeting 18 Iranian banks. The banks targeted are Amin Investment Bank, Bank Keshavarzi Iran, Bank Maskan, Bank Refah Kargaran, Bank-e Shahr, Eghtesad Novin Bank, Gharzolhasaneh Resalat Bank, Hekmat Iranian Bank, Iran Zamin Bank, Karafarin Bank, Khavarmianeh Bank, Mehr Iran Credit Union Bank, Pasargad Bank, Saman Bank, Sarmayeh Bank, Tosee Taavon Bank, Tourism Bank and Islamic Regional Cooperation Bank.{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/us-hits-irans-financial-sector-with-fresh-round-of-sanctions-645072|title=US hits Iran's financial sector with fresh round of sanctions|date=8 October 2020|work=The Jerusalem Post}}
In September 2020, the United States said that it imposed sanctions on Judge Seyyed Mahmoud Sadati, Judge Mohammad Soltani, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz, and Adel Abad, Orumiyeh, and Vakilabad Prisons. Elliott Abrams said "the sanctions targeted a judge who sentenced Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari to death," who was convicted of murdering a security guard during the 2018 Iranian protests.{{Cite news |date=24 September 2020 |title=U.S. imposes new Iran sanctions over human rights violations |language=en |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-sanctions-pompeo-int-idUSKCN26F3BU}}
Biden presidency
{{See also|Iran–United States relations during the Biden administration}}
United States President Joe Biden said on February 8, 2021, that he would not lift economic sanctions against Iran until Iran complies with the terms of the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal. Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei had previously said that Tehran would only return to compliance if the United States first lifted all economic sanctions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55972619|title=Iran nuclear deal: US sanctions will not be lifted for talks, says Biden|date=February 7, 2021|via=www.bbc.com}} On the other hand, Iran said that it would suspend the implementation of the Additional Protocol, if the other parties to the 2015 nuclear pact do not fulfill their obligations by February 21, 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-nuclear-usa-idUSKBN2AF0H4|title=Iran says it will end snap IAEA inspections if nuclear deal terms not met|access-date=15 February 2021|website=Reuters|date=15 February 2021}}
On September 22, 2022, the United States Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against the Iran Morality Police as well as seven senior leaders of Iran's various security organizations, "for violence against protestors and the death of Mahsa Amini". These include Mohammad Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi, chief of Iran's Morality Police, and Kioumars Heidari, commander of the Iranian army's ground force, in addition to the Iranian Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib, Haj Ahmad Mirzaei, head of the Tehran division of the Morality Police, Salar Abnoush, deputy commander of the Basij militia, and two law enforcement commanders, Manouchehr Amanollahi and Qasem Rezaei of the LEF in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran. The sanctions would involve blocking any properties or interests in property within the jurisdiction of the US, and reporting them to the U.S. Treasury. Penalties would be imposed on any parties that facilitate transactions or services to the sanctioned entities.{{Cite web |last=Gottbrath |first=Laurin-Whitney |date=2022-09-22 |title=U.S. sanctions Iran's morality police over death of woman in custody |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/09/22/mahsa-amini-protests-iran-us-sanctions-morality-police |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Axios |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=22 September 2022 |title=Treasury Sanctions Iran's Morality Police and Senior Security Officials for Violence Against Protesters and the Death of Mahsa Amini |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0969 |website=United States Department of the Treasury}}{{Cite web |date=22 September 2022 |title=Designating Iran's Morality Police and Seven Officials for Human Rights Abuses in Iran |url=https://www.state.gov/designating-irans-morality-police-and-seven-officials-for-human-rights-abuses-in-iran/ |website=United States Department of State}}
In June 2023, the United States sanctioned a procurement network involving seven individuals and six entities in Iran and the People's Republic of China (PRC) for supporting the activities of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, Parchin Chemical Industries, and P.B. Sadr as key actors in Iran's ballistic missile program.{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Matthew |date=2023-06-06 |title=Imposing Sanctions on Network Supporting Iran's Missile and Military Programs |url=https://www.state.gov/imposing-sanctions-on-network-supporting-irans-missile-and-military-programs/ |website=United States Department of State}}
In May 2024 American officials have claimed that Iran uses Malaysian services to sell crude oil under U.S. sanctions. In a meeting with Nelson, the U.S. Treasury under-secretary, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, government official in Malaysia said that we only recognize the sanctions of the United Nations, and the sanctions of the United States and any other country are not recognized by Malaysia.{{cite web |last1=Strangio |first1=Sebastian |title=Malaysia Will Not Recognize Unilateral Sanctions on Iran, Official Says |url=https://thediplomat.com/2024/05/malaysia-will-not-recognize-unilateral-sanctions-on-iran-official-says/ |website=the diplomat}}
In September 2024, The United States imposed sanctions on 12 Iranian officials for human rights abuses.{{Cite news |last=Heavey |first=Susan |date=2024-09-18 |title=US issues fresh Iran sanctions over alleged human rights violations |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-issues-fresh-iran-sanctions-over-alleged-human-rights-violations-2024-09-18/ |access-date=2024-09-18 |work=Reuters}} The sanctions targeted members of Iran's security forces involved in suppressing protests, prison officials linked to torture and executions, and operatives involved in targeting dissidents abroad. The U.S. Treasury highlighted the ongoing repression and called out the Iranian regime’s systematic human rights violations, including abuses against peaceful protesters and political activists.{{Cite web |last=Hansler |first=Jennifer |date=2024-09-18 |title=US imposes sanctions on 12 Iranian officials for human rights abuses {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/18/politics/us-imposes-sanctions-on-12-iranian-officials-for-human-rights-abuses/index.html |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=CNN |language=en}}
In December 2024, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on three vessels—MS Enola, MS Angia and MS Melenia—and four companies—Journey Investment company, Rose Shipping, Master Joint Co. and Passada Maritime—for trading in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.{{Cite web |last=Network |first=MI News |date=2024-12-20 |title=U.S. Sanctions Vessels Funding Iran's Nuclear Program & Terrorist Activities |url=https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/u-s-sanctions-vessels-funding-irans-nuclear-program-terrorist-activities/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Marine Insight |language=en-US}}
Second Trump presidency
{{See also|US-Iran nuclear negotiations}}
Following Donald Trump's election to the presidency, as early as October 2024, a decline in Iranian oil exports to China was observed, driven by concerns over potential new sanctions that Trump might impose on Iran.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-29 |title=Iran seeks to sell off oil in China before Trump's return |url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412297865 |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=www.iranintl.com |language=en}} In early 2025, the Shandong port, owned by the Chinese government, announced that it would not accept goods from companies and countries blacklisted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, including Iran.{{Cite web |title=Report: China's Shandong Port Group to Turn Away US-Sanctioned Oil Tankers |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/report-china-s-shandong-port-group-to-turn-away-us-sanctioned-oil-tankers |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=The Maritime Executive |language=en}}
On 4 February 2025, US President Donald Trump reimposed his "maximum pressure" policy on Iran.{{Cite web|date=2025-01-04 |title=Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-set-reimpose-maximum-pressure-iran-official-says-2025-02-04/|access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Reuters|language=en-US}}
In February 2025, the Trump administration imposed new sanctions targeting an international network accused of selling millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China, with proceeds funding Iran's military and terrorist activities. The sanctions specifically targeted Sepehr Energy, described as a front company for Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, and included measures against associated oil tankers and individuals involved in these transactions. The imposed sanctions freeze the assets of the designated individuals and entities within the United States and bar them from receiving U.S. foreign assistance. The primary objective of these sanctions is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons ("that threaten the civilized world") and to curb its support for regional terrorist proxy groups.{{Cite web |author=Al Jazeera Staff |title=Trump administration imposes first Iran sanctions since taking office |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/6/trump-administration-imposes-first-iran-sanctions-since-taking-office |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=US slaps sanctions on network shipping Iranian oil to China |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-imposes-sanctions-individuals-tankers-shipping-iranian-oil-china-2025-02-06/ |website=reuters}}
In April 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on six entities and two individuals based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and China for acquiring components that it alleges are connected to Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs. This action is part of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran, aimed at disrupting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) aerospace industry’s efforts to procure equipment for Iran’s military-industrial complex and drone program.{{cite web |last1=Bruce |first1=Tammy |title=Sanctions Target Iran's UAV and Ballistic Missile Procurement Networks |url=https://www.state.gov/sanctions-target-irans-uav-and-ballistic-missile-procurement-networks/ |website=state.gov}}
On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab and his network of companies for facilitating the sale of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in violation of U.S. sanctions. Zarrab, previously implicated in sanctions evasion schemes, is accused of using a complex network of front companies and intermediaries to export Iranian LPG, generating significant revenue for Iran's energy sector. The sanctions aim to disrupt these illicit financial networks and reinforce the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions against Iran's energy exports. As a result, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.{{Cite news |date=2025 |title=Treasury Targets Iranian Liquified Petroleum Gas Magnate |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0093}}
On May 14, 2025, the State Department imposed sanctions on three Iranian nationals and one Iranian entity associated with the Iranian Defense Innovation and Research Organization (SPND). All individuals sanctioned are alleged to be involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.{{cite web |title=U.S. Sanctions Related to Iranian Nuclear-Related Research with Potential Military Applications |url=https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/05/u-s-sanctions-related-to-iranian-nuclear-related-research-with-potential-military-applications/ |website=state.gov}}
Effects and criticism
File:Inflation Iran CPI.jpg. As of 2020, U.S. economic sanctions have contributed to inflation and high unemployment rate alongside economic mismanagement and the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Fassihi |first1=Farnaz |title=With Inflation Ravaging Currency, Iran Is Changing Names and Numbers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/world/middleeast/iran-currency-inflation-rial-toman.html |access-date=16 May 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=4 May 2020}}]]
According to an Iranian journalist, the effects of sanctions in Iran include expensive basic goods and an aging and increasingly unsafe aircraft fleet. "According to reports from Iranian news agencies, 17 planes have crashed over the past 25 years, killing approximately 1,500 people."{{Cite web|url=http://www.mianeh.net/en/articles/?aid=169|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204180128/http://www.mianeh.net/en/articles/?aid=169|url-status=dead|title=Talk of Obama in Tehran Taxis|last=Shams|first=Sara|location=Tehran|date=29 January 2009|archivedate=February 4, 2009}}
The United States forbids aircraft manufacturer Boeing to sell aircraft to Iranian aviation companies.Aircraft, November 2001, Iran Air Rare and Exclusive, Kian Noush, p.68 However, there are some authorizations for the export of civil aviation parts to Iran when those items are required for the safety of commercial aircraft.[http://sanctionlaw.com/2010/04/07/aircraft-safety-in-iran-ofac-is-not-entirely-in-the-way/ Aircraft Safety in Iran: OFAC is Not (Entirely) in The Way] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716000925/http://sanctionlaw.com/2010/04/07/aircraft-safety-in-iran-ofac-is-not-entirely-in-the-way/ |date=2011-07-16 }} Sanction Law. 7 April 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2014. An analysis by The Jerusalem Post found that a third of the 117 Iranian planes designated by the U.S. had experienced accidents or crashes.[https://sites.google.com/site/tahrimiran/ Tracking the impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran civil aviation] The Jerusalem Post. 21 March 2014. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
A 2005 report, presented at the 36th session of the International Civil Aviation Organization, reported that the U.S. sanctions had endangered the safety of civil aviation in Iran because it prevented Iran from acquiring parts and support essential for aviation safety. It also stated that the sanctions were contrary to article 44 of the Chicago Convention (to which the U.S. is a member). The ICAO report said aviation safety affects human lives and human rights, stands above political differences, and that the assembly should bring international public pressure on the United States to lift the sanctions against Iran.[http://www.icao.int/icao/en/assembl/a36/wp/wp275_en.pdf The safety deficiencies arising out of the United States sanctions against the civil aviation of the Islamic Republic of Iran], International Civil Aviation Organization, 20 September 2007.
The European Union was critical of most of the U.S. trade sanctions against Iran. Some EU member states criticized ILSA as a "double standard" in U.S. foreign policy, in which the United States vigorously worked against the Arab League boycott of Israel while at the same time promoted a worldwide boycott of Iran. The EU member states threatened formal counter-action in the World Trade Organization.{{Cite web |url=https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/23591.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219020121/https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/23591.pdf |archive-date=2016-12-19 |url-status=dead }}{{cite book |last1=Ibp Usa |title=Iran: Foreign Policy & Government Guide |publisher=International Business Publications, USA; 6 edition (January 1, 2009) |isbn=978-1433024153 |page=252 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2h_Jfg1xRYEC&pg=PA252|date=May 2001 }}
According to a study by Akbar E. Torbat, "overall, the sanctions' economic effect" on Iran "has been significant, while its political effect has been minimal."{{cite journal |first=Akbar E. |last=Torbat |url=http://cbapp.csudh.edu/depts/adjunct/atorbat/Article%20Jan-2005/Torbat%20j.1467-9701.2005.00671.x.pdf |title=Impacts of the US Trade and Financial Sanctions on Iran |journal=The World Economy |volume=28 |issue=3 |edition=3 |pages=407–434 |date=March 2005|doi=10.1111/j.1467-9701.2005.00671.x |s2cid=154113008 }}
According to the United States National Foreign Trade Council, in the medium-term, lifting U.S. sanctions and liberalizing Iran's economic regime would increase Iran's total trade annually by as much as $61 billion (at the 2005 world oil price of $50/bbl), adding 32 percent to Iran's GDP. In the oil-and-gas sector, output and exports would expand by 25-to-50 percent (adding 3 percent to world crude oil production).
Iran could reduce the world price of crude petroleum by 10 percent, saving the United States annually between $38 billion (at the 2005 world oil price of $50/bbl) and $76 billion (at the proximate 2008 world oil price of $100/bbl). Opening Iran’s market place to foreign investment could also be a boon to competitive US multinational firms operating in a variety of manufacturing and service sectors.Dean A. DeRosa & Gary Clyde Hufbauer, [http://www.nftc.org/default/trade/NFTC%20Iran%20Normalizaton%20Book.pdf "Normalization of Economic Relations"], National Foreign Trade Council, 21 November 2008
In 2009, there was discussion in the United States of implementing "crippling sanctions" against Iran, such as the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009, "if diplomatic overture did not show signs of success by the autumn". Professor Hamid Dabashi, of Columbia University, said in August 2009 that this was likely to bring "catastrophic humanitarian consequences", while enriching and strengthening the "security and military apparatus" of "the Pasdaran and the Basij," and having absolutely no support from "any major or even minor opposition leader" in Iran.Hamid Dabashi, [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/08/05/dabashi.sanctions.iran/ Commentary: Huge risks in Iran sanctions], CNN. 5 August 2009. According to Bloomberg News, Boeing and Exxon have said that new Iran sanctions would cost $25 billion in U.S. exports.{{cite news|url=http://www.payvand.com/news/10/may/1156.html|title=Boeing, Exxon say Iran sanctions would cost $25 billion|work=Payvand|date=10 May 2009|access-date=6 April 2013}}
It has also been argued the sanctions have had the counter effect of protecting Iran in some ways, for example the 2007 imposition of U.S. sanctions against Iranian financial institutions to a high degree made Iran immune to the Great Recession.{{cite news|last=Parsi |first=Massoud |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/05/201052271814825709.html|title=The tragicomedy of Iran sanctions|agency=Al Jazeera|date=22 May 2010|access-date=6 April 2013}} Iranian officials argued that the sanctions created new business opportunities for Iranian companies to develop in order to fill the gap left by foreign contractors.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jlwi1NKpiUaV0FrKpeIGQFF2d-NQ?docId=CNG.87edb35a8d312b35562231e10b3cddfa.201|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318211447/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jlwi1NKpiUaV0FrKpeIGQFF2d-NQ?docId=CNG.87edb35a8d312b35562231e10b3cddfa.201|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2013|title=Sanctions an 'opportunity' for local companies: Iran|agency=AFP via Google|date=14 October 2010|access-date=6 April 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=227661|title=Sanctions should be taken as opportunity: Larijani|date=29 September 2010}} According to U.S. officials, Iran may lose up to $60 billion in energy investments due to global sanctions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/iran-usa-sanctions-idUSN0113655820101201|title=UPDATE 1-US: Sanctions cost Iran investment, banking access|newspaper=Reuters|date=December 1, 2010|via=www.reuters.com}}
On 18 January 2012 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that sanctions are aimed at strangling the economy of Iran and would create much discontent toward Western nations, and potentially provoke a negative recourse.{{cite news|title=Russia: Iran Attack Would Cause Catastrophe |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/18/russia-iran-attack_n_1212432.html|work=Huffington Post|date=18 January 2012}}
On 13 August 2018 Iran Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that "mismanagement" harmed Iran more than U.S. sanctions did. "More than the sanctions, economic mismanagement (by the government) is putting pressure on ordinary Iranians ... I do not call it betrayal but a huge mistake in management," Khamenei was quoted as saying.{{cite news |title=Khamenei says mismanagement hurts Iran more than US sanctions |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/khamenei-says-mismanagement-hurts-iran-more-than-us-sanctions |access-date=14 August 2018 |work=The Business Times |language=en}}
On 22 August 2018, United Nations Special Rapporteur Idriss Jazairy described the sanctions against Iran as "unjust and harmful". "The reimposition of sanctions against Iran after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, which had been unanimously adopted by the Security Council with the support of the United States itself, lays bare the illegitimacy of this action," said Jazairy. According to Jazairy, "chilling effect" caused by the "ambiguity" of recently reimposed sanctions, would lead to "silent deaths in hospitals".{{cite web |title=Iran sanctions are unjust and harmful, says UN expert warning against generalised economic war |url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=23469&LangID=E |website=OHCHR |publisher=United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights |access-date=23 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823181416/https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=23469&LangID=E |archive-date=23 August 2018}}
According to Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, United States sanctions against Iran are affecting neighboring Pakistan. He stated that "The last thing the Muslim World needs is another conflict. The Trump administration is moving towards that direction."{{cite news |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/imran-khan-pakistan-khashoggi-iran-saudi-arabia-syria-764307301 |title=Imran Khan: Pakistan cannot afford to snub Saudis over Khashoggi killing |first1=Jonathan |last1=Steele |first2=Peter |last2=Oborne |date=22 October 2018 |work=Middle East Eye}} (updated 8 November 2018).
On 5 May 2019, the White House announced the United States has stationed an aircraft carrier strike group and Air Force bombers to the Middle East for “troubling and escalatory indications and warnings” connected to Iran.{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Edward |title=Citing Iranian Threat, U.S. Sends Carrier Group and Bombers to Persian Gulf |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/05/world/middleeast/us-iran-military-threat-.html |newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 May 2019 }} Mr. Bolton said the purpose of the action is sending a message to the Iranian regime that any attack on U.S. interests or on those of our allies by Iran will be faced with our unremitting response.{{cite news |title=US sends aircraft carrier and bomber task force to 'warn Iran' |work=BBC News |date=6 May 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48173357 }} Also, he declared in the statement, we are not looking for war with Iran but ready to repel to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps or regular Iranian forces.
On 19 May 2019, Trump threatened Iran and said in his Twitter post "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!"{{cite web |title=Trump threatens Iran's 'end' if it seeks fight with the US |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/trump-threatens-iran-seeks-fight-190520003050499.html |website=aljazeera}}
{{tweet
|text=If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!
|name=Donald J. Trump
|username=realDonaldTrump
|date=May 19, 2019
|ID=1130207891049332737
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According to a 2019 AlJazeera report, some tech companies like as GitHub, Google and Apple and Microsoft began limiting users linked to Iran, and several other countries under U.S. sanctions, access to its services.{{cite web |last1=Motamedi |first1=Maziar |title=Locked out: Did US tech company over-comply with Iran sanctions? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/locked-tech-company-comply-iran-sanctions-190731081829014.html |website=aljazeera}}
On 27 September 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that it is "impossible" for his country to stop buying oil and natural gas from Iran, despite U.S. sanctions against the latter.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-iran-trade-usa/erdogan-says-turkey-will-continue-oil-natural-gas-trade-with-iran-ntv-idUSKBN1WB33D|title=Erdogan says Turkey will continue oil, natural gas trade with Iran: NTV|publisher=Reuters|date=27 September 2019|access-date=27 September 2019}} Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif repeatedly condemned the American sanctions against Iran as "economic terrorism."{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/video/news/irans-foreign-minister-says-us-policy-is-economic-terrorism/vi-AAEFjxv|title=Iran's foreign minister says U.S. policy is 'economic terrorism'|website=www.msn.com|access-date=2019-07-22}}
In June 2022, Iran claimed that despite changes imposed on by the continuance of U.S. sanctions, oil sales have remained at relatively high levels. According to figures from the petroleum ministry, Iran is currently exporting more than a million barrels of crude oil and gas condensate daily.{{Cite web |title=Iran says oil sales strong despite effect of Ukraine war |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/11/iran-says-oil-sales-strong-despite-ukraine-war-changes}}
=Impact on health=
{{main|Humanitarian impacts of U.S. sanctions against Iran|Medicine shortage in Iran}}
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, health workers and sanctions experts said U.S. sanctions, including financial sanctions and lost oil revenues, were preventing the import of medicine and medical supplies including raw materials and equipment needed to manufacture medicines domestically.{{cite web |last1=Cunningham |first1=Erin |title=As coronavirus cases explode in Iran, U.S. sanctions hinder its access to drugs and medical equipment |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/as-coronavirus-cases-explode-in-iran-us-sanctions-hinder-its-access-to-drugs-and-medical-equipment/2020/03/28/0656a196-6aba-11ea-b199-3a9799c54512_story.html |website=washingtonpost}}
The United States has ostensibly exempted humanitarian items from sanctions, but in practice the prohibition against business with Iranian banks and the reduction in issuance of certain medical export licenses by the United States Treasury Department enforcement agency have caused difficulties in Iran. For example, Iran faces a critical shortage of spare parts that are needed to repair dual-use equipment used to produce medicine. Sanctions have also prevented Iran from procuring active ingredients necessary to manufacture locally produced medicine to treat asthma, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.{{cite web |title=Sanctions-hit Iran struggles to make cancer drugs |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200302-sanctions-hit-iran-struggles-to-make-cancer-drugs |website=France 24|date=2 March 2020 }}
In December 2020, according to the central bank chief of Iran, Iran could not pay for a COVID-19 vaccine because of U.S. sanctions against Iranian banks. In March 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic, the United States blocked Iran's request for an emergency $5 billion IMF loan.{{cite web |last1=Motamedi |first1=Maziar |title=Iran's top banker says US blocking COVID-19 vaccine purchase |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/7/iran-says-us-blocking-covid-19-vaccine-purchase |website=aljazeera}}
After the United States withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, many banks and businesses worldwide, including pharmaceutical and medical companies, decided not to conduct any business with Iran due to U.S. sanctions.{{cite web |last1=Gadzo |first1=Mersiha |title=Iranians with rare disease dying under US sanctions |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/28/iranians-with-epidermolysis-bullosa-dying-under-us-sanctions |website=aljazeera}}
=Impact on overseas students=
As of December 2018, United States sanctions were reportedly affecting hundreds of Iranian university students in the United Kingdom, preventing them from being able to readily pay their tuition fees and forcing them to choose between abandoning their studies or using dangerous means to transfer funds.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/dec/15/uk-universitity-tells-iranin-student-pay-tuition-fees-in-cash-trump-sanctions|title=UK university tells Iranian student: go home and get tuition fees in cash|first=Mark|last=Townsend|date=15 December 2018|access-date=15 December 2018|website=Theguardian.com}}
Exceptions
{{See also|Iran–United States relations#Economic relations|l1=Economic relations between Iran and the United States|Iran's lawsuit at ICJ against United States}}
In December 2010 it was reported that the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control had approved nearly 10,000 exceptions to U.S. sanctions rules worldwide over the preceding decade by issuing special licenses for American companies.{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101224/us_nm/us_usa_iran_business_2|title=US Iran business|publisher=Yahoo|date=24 December 2010|access-date=6 April 2013}}{{dead link|date=April 2013}}
European and United States sanctions do not affect Iran's electricity exports, which creates a loophole for Iran's natural gas reserves.{{cite journal|last=Mirsaeedi-Glossner|first=Shabnam|title=Iran's Flourishing Regional Influence: Electricity Exports as a Loophole to Sanctions|journal=Science & Diplomacy|date=15 July 2013|volume=2|issue=3|url=http://www.sciencediplomacy.org/article/2013/irans-flourishing-regional-influence}}
See also
- Anti-Iranian sentiment
- Chicago's Persian heritage crisis
- Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010
- Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act
- Economy of Iran
- Foreign direct investment in Iran
- Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges
- Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996
- Iran and weapons of mass destruction
- Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2006
- Iran Mission Center
- Iran Sanctions Enhancement Act of 2007 (never passed)
- Iran–United States relations
- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
- Sanctions against Iran
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Library resources box}}
- [https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE59C22020091013 Iran Sanctions - Factbox] (Summary and list of all sanctions on Iran since 1979)
- [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tehranbureau/2010/10/iran-primer-us-sanctions.html Iran Primer: U.S. Sanctions] – PBS website
- [https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo28380 Iran Sanctions: Strategy, Implementation, and Enforcement: Hearing before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, 17 May 2012]
{{Iran–United States relations}}
{{Foreign relations of Iran}}
Category:Iran–United States relations
Category:Modern history of Iran