This essay aims to specify the theoretical basis of sanctions on Iran, afterwards focusing on the US Sanctions specifically. The history of the US-Iranian relationship is going to be described. Another goal is to outline the consequences that these sanctions have on the USA and Iran, but also on international trade up to now.
This paper is divided into three sections. The first part explains the theoretical basis of sanctions including its definition, the different forms and reasons for sanctions as well as the legal requirements. In the main part, the US sanctions, its historical context as well as the goals and consequences of the US sanctions against Iran are presented. In the last part, a conclusion is drawn.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Theoretical basis
2.1 Definition of a Sanction and Legal Agreements
2.2 Goals of sanctions
2.3 Forms of sanctions
3 US Sanctions against Iran
3.1 Historical context
3.2 Goals and implementation
3.3 Consequences
3.3.1 On Iran
3.3.2 On international trade
4 Conclusion and Outlook
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines the theoretical foundations of economic sanctions and provides a detailed analysis of the U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran. The primary objective is to investigate the historical context of the US-Iranian relationship, the specific goals of these economic measures, and their resulting consequences on the Iranian domestic economy as well as global international trade.
- Theoretical definitions and legal frameworks of international sanctions
- Historical progression of US sanctions against Iran since 1979
- Implementation and objectives of the JCPOA and subsequent re-imposition of sanctions
- Economic impact on Iran, including GDP, inflation, and currency depreciation
- Consequences for international trade and the global oil market
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Historical context
In general, sanctions have increased rapidly since the end of the cold war. They have risen “from 1.8 new sanctions a year in the time period of 1945-1969 to 3.8 new sanctions a year in 1970-1989 and then to 6.3 new sanctions a year in the period of 1990-2000."17
Political tensions between the USA and Iran reach back to the middle of the 20th century, when the Islamic revolution took place.18 Ahead of that historical development, the USA was one of Iran’s most powerful trade partners – in fact, they had a 16% share of Iran’s imports.19
Ever since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979, the country interrogated the strategic power the USA had in the Persian Gulf countries at that time. From that year on, the Carter administration started to impose economic sanctions on Iran. Since then, they have been in continuous effect.20
The so-called hostage crisis led to a disruption of the political interaction between the two countries on 7 April 1980. The reason was a group of students holding 66 Americans hostage for 444 days on the US Embassy’s terrain. The crisis led to US embargos on oil imports from Iran. Also financial aid and military cooperation with Iran were restricted.21 Iranian deposits in the US banks and foreign subsidiaries were frozen under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (hereinafter IEEPA) and an embargo on exports to Iran was passed. The freezing of the deposits ultimately led to the release of the US hostages, as parts of the Iranian assets were transferred to an escrow account in exchange for the freeing of the captives.22
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the globalized context of trade relations and outlines the research objective to analyze the historical and economic impact of US sanctions on Iran.
2 Theoretical basis: This section defines sanctions, distinguishes them from private boycotts, and discusses the relevant international legal frameworks such as GATT and the UN Charter.
3 US Sanctions against Iran: This main section details the historical timeline of diplomatic tensions, the goals and implementation of specific US policies, and the resulting economic consequences for Iran and international markets.
4 Conclusion and Outlook: The concluding chapter summarizes the effectiveness of the sanctions and notes that future diplomatic developments are highly dependent on US presidential elections.
Keywords
US Sanctions, Iran, Economic Embargo, JCPOA, International Trade, Foreign Policy, Oil Market, Inflation, GDP Growth, Hostage Crisis, ILSA, Nuclear Program, Economic Recession, Political Tension, International Law
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the economic and political implications of the sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran, covering their historical evolution and their current impact on the Iranian economy.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include the theoretical framework of international sanctions, the history of US-Iranian diplomatic relations, the specific economic measures taken against Iran, and the impact of these measures on trade and domestic prosperity.
What is the primary research objective?
The primary goal is to specify the theoretical basis of sanctions and to outline the historical, economic, and trade-related consequences of the US-Iranian sanctions regime up to the present day.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analytical approach, reviewing existing economic studies, legal agreements, and historical data to assess the effectiveness and consequences of the sanctions.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section covers the historical context of the Iran-US relationship, the implementation of various US acts and executive orders, and an assessment of the economic damage caused, specifically focusing on Iran's GDP, inflation, and the oil export sector.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include US Sanctions, Iran, Economic Embargo, JCPOA, International Trade, Foreign Policy, Oil Market, and Inflation.
How has the JCPOA influenced the narrative of the sanctions?
The JCPOA represents a significant phase of rapprochement and economic relief, which was abruptly ended by the Trump administration's decision to re-impose sanctions, a move that the author highlights as highly contentious.
What specific economic impacts on Iran are highlighted?
The author highlights the depreciation of the Iranian Rial, high inflation rates, significant drops in GDP growth, and a severe reduction in oil exports, which have collectively led to a shortage of basic goods for the population.
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- Melina Helga Richter (Autor:in), 2020, US Sanctions against Iran. Historical Context, Goals and Consequences, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/960112
