What sanctions does Iran face and could they be lifted under the new deal | Explained
The interim agreement to end the conflict with Iran includes a waiver allowing certain sanctioned oil sales, but Tehran remains subject to a wide range
The interim agreement to end the conflict with Iran includes a waiver allowing certain sanctioned oil sales, but Tehran remains subject to a wide range of international restrictions affecting its trade and economic activities, Reuters reported. For decades, Iran has faced sanctions, trade embargoes, and asset freezes imposed by the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and other countries over concerns related to its nuclear programme, human rights record, and support for armed groups across the region. Iran hopes to gain further sanctions relief through talks on its nuclear programme as the next phase of the interim deal unfolds. These are some of the sanctions on Iran, ranging from wholesale trade bans to specific rules targeting particular individuals or entities. United Nations Sanctions Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What specific sanctions does Iran currently face? ⌵ Iran faces a wide range of international sanctions including trade embargoes, asset freezes, and restrictions on its nuclear program and human rights violations, imposed primarily by the UN, US, and EU. 2 Why were sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States? ⌵ The United States imposed sanctions on Iran due to concerns over its support for terrorist organizations, its nuclear activities, and its human rights record, starting from 1979. 3 How do UN sanctions relate to Iran's nuclear program? ⌵ UN sanctions against Iran are directly tied to its nuclear program and involve restrictions, including an arms embargo and bans on nuclear-related materials, following violations of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 4 Should the US lift sanctions on Iran, what factors would complicate this process? ⌵ Lifting US sanctions on Iran is complicated by the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, and many sanctions imposed by Congress are harder to remove without additional legislative action.
5 What is the status of Iranian oil exports under current sanctions? ⌵ While Iranian oil exports faced significant restrictions, certain sanctioned sales may continue under interim agreements, but Iran remains largely isolated from the global financial system due to existing sanctions. U.N. sanctions are tied to Iran's nuclear programme and assessed violations of its obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The U.N. Security Council passed resolutions imposing sanctions in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. They included an arms embargo, bans on supply of some nuclear-related materials and technology and freezes on assets of some companies and individuals. The resolutions also banned Iran from any activities to make ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. While the resolutions froze funds and assets of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the state shipping company, they did not bar Iranian oil exports. After the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal was reached in 2015, the Security Council set out a schedule to lift its sanctions on Iran. However, U.S. President Donald Trump ripped up the deal in 2018 and Iran stopped complying with some of its requirements. The U.N. sanctions were reimposed through a "snapback" mechanism last year. United States Sanctions The United States first imposed sanctions on Iran in 1979 after revolutionary students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held American diplomats hostage. Since then, Washington has expanded the sanctions regime, citing concerns over Iran’s support for groups it classifies as terrorist organisations and its nuclear activities, Reuters reported. A major challenge in easing these restrictions is the status of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), one of Iran’s most powerful institutions with extensive influence over the country’s economy.
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