U.S. Sanctions Spark Economic Hardship and Protests in Iran

Economic hardship driven by U.S. sanctions has sparked widespread protests in Iran. While previous unrest focused on corruption and human rights, current demonstrations are rooted in inflation and limited access to medical supplies. Research from The Lancet Global Health Journal suggests that U.S. and EU sanctions contributed to over 500,000 deaths per year over the last decade.

The sanctions strategy began under the Obama administration in 2010 to curb Iranian nuclear ambitions by restricting oil imports and financial transactions. Although the 2015 Iran nuclear deal temporarily rolled back these measures, Donald Trump reimposed and expanded them after his inauguration.

These economic pressures have inadvertently shifted internal power dynamics within Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization has benefited from the lack of international competition, reportedly gaining control over 50% of the Iranian economy.