国会研究服务部-制裁伊朗（英文）-2021.4-98页_1mb

Iran Sanctions Summary

Overview

U.S. sanctions on Iran have been a key tool in U.S. foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These sanctions have aimed to curb Iran's support for terrorism, limit its strategic influence in the Middle East, and restrict its nuclear program. While sanctions have had an adverse economic impact on Iran, they have not fully curbed its core strategic objectives, such as regional military support and missile development.

Core Content

Economic Impact and Nuclear Agreement

• Economic Effects: Sanctions significantly impacted Iran's economy, particularly through reduced oil exports and restricted access to foreign exchange assets.
• JCPOA (2015): The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a result of sustained sanctions, which led to a 50% drop in oil exports and limited Iran's financial access.
• Sanctions Relief: Upon Iran's compliance with nuclear restrictions, the Obama administration eased sanctions, including U.N. and EU sanctions. However, U.S. sanctions on trade, regional support, and missile development remained.
• Trump's Reimposition: In 2018, President Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions, leading to a significant economic downturn in Iran. Iran responded by reducing nuclear compliance and increasing regional provocations.
• Biden's Approach: President Biden has expressed intent to rejoin the JCPOA and ease sanctions, but the U.S. has not yet fully returned to the agreement.

Types of Sanctions

Property and Assets

• Post-JCPOA Status: Iranian assets remain frozen, though some issues have been resolved, such as the transfer of $400 million from the DOD account.
• Blocked Assets: Iranian Central Bank assets in Citibank were considered blocked, but Luxembourg courts ruled they were outside U.S. jurisdiction.
• Other Frozen Assets: Diplomatic property, real estate holdings, and other assets are still frozen under various sanctions.

Financial and Banking Sanctions

• SWIFT and Financial System: Iran is barred from the U.S. financial system and the use of U.S. dollars. The SWIFT system is also affected.
• CISADA: The Countering Iran's Support for Terrorists Act (CISADA) targets foreign banks that conduct transactions with sanctioned Iranian entities.
• Fines and Penalties: Several banks have been fined for violating sanctions, including those involved in concealing Iran-related transactions.

Energy Sector Sanctions

• Iran Sanctions Act (ISA): The ISA targets Iran's energy sector, particularly if it involves the transfer of technology or equipment to Iran.
• Oil Export Sanctions: The FY2012 NDAA sanctioned the Central Bank of Iran, restricting its access to the U.S. financial system.
• CAATSA (2017): This law expanded sanctions on Iran's energy sector, including restrictions on U.S. companies engaging in transactions with Iran.

Regional Support and Missile Development

• Sanctions on Regional Support: Sanctions target Iran's support for armed factions in the region, including Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Syrian conflict.
• Missile Sanctions: The U.N. Resolution 2231 and other laws restrict Iran's development of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.

Human Rights and Cyber Activities

• Human Rights Sanctions: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses, including the Supreme Leader and his office.
• Cyber Sanctions: The U.S. has sanctioned entities involved in malicious cyber activities, such as the IRGC and Hezbollah.

Key Information

Sanctions Triggers and Implementation

• Terrorism List Designation: Iran's designation as a "state sponsor of terrorism" triggers a range of sanctions, including bans on defense sales and financial assistance.
• Delisting and Reimposition: Entities previously delisted under the JCPOA were relisted under the Trump administration, effectively reimposing sanctions.
• Sanctions on Specific Entities: The U.S. has sanctioned numerous Iranian entities, including the IRGC, Hezbollah, and various Iraqi and Syrian militias.

International Sanctions

• U.N. Sanctions: Resolution 2231 kept some sanctions in place, including the ban on arms transfers and missile development.
• EU Measures: The EU has attempted to maintain some economic benefits for Iran through mechanisms like INSTEX, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful.
• China and Russia: These countries have continued to engage with Iran economically, despite U.S. sanctions.

Effectiveness of Sanctions

• Nuclear Program: Sanctions contributed to the JCPOA but did not halt Iran's nuclear program or missile development.
• Regional Influence: Iran continued to support regional factions and maintain its influence despite sanctions.
• Economic Coping Strategies: Iran has developed strategies to mitigate the effects of sanctions, including seeking alternative trade routes and financial systems.
• Humanitarian Impact: Sanctions have affected humanitarian aid and access to essential goods, though some aid has been provided.

Conclusion

U.S. sanctions on Iran have evolved over time, with a focus on economic pressure, regional destabilization, and nuclear proliferation. While these sanctions have had economic consequences, they have not fully deterred Iran from pursuing its strategic objectives. The JCPOA provided some relief, but its termination under the Trump administration led to renewed economic hardship for Iran. The Biden administration has signaled a potential return to the JCPOA, but the effectiveness of sanctions in altering Iran's behavior remains a subject of debate.