Washington, United States. The United States has started waiving some sanctions on Iran under an interim deal aimed at ending the war, but a broader rollback of restrictions under any comprehensive agreement is expected to be far more difficult. Foreign investment could also take significant time to return as sanctions relief unfolds.
Scope of existing sanctions
Sanctions, trade embargoes and asset freezes have been imposed on Iran for decades by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and other countries. The measures were introduced over Iran’s nuclear programme, human rights record and support for groups around the region.
Iran seeks further relief
Iran is seeking additional sanctions relief through talks on its nuclear programme as the next phase of the interim deal proceeds. Long-term relief is considered critical for Iran’s ruling system, which has faced repeated unrest in recent years, including mass protests over economic conditions in January that were bloodily suppressed.
Challenges to a broader agreement
Under a nuclear deal in 2015, most sanctions on Iran were lifted, but that agreement took years to negotiate. Following an inconclusive war, it may be much harder for both sides to bridge their differences again.
United Nations measures
United Nations sanctions are linked to Iran’s nuclear programme and assessed violations of its obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The U.N. Security Council adopted resolutions imposing sanctions in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Restrictions imposed by U.N. resolutions
The resolutions included an arms embargo, bans on the supply of some nuclear-related materials and technology, and asset freezes on some companies and individuals. They also banned Iran from activities to make ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
