Iran has faced a network of sanctions for decades - Photo: REUTERS
Last week, the U.S. began easing some sanctions against Iran under a temporary agreement aimed at ending the war. However, completely removing the complex web of restrictions under any comprehensive agreement would be far more difficult.
According to Reuters, it will take a long time, up to several years, for sanctions to be lifted and for foreign investment to return to Iran.
A dense concentration of sanctions
Sanctions, trade embargoes, and asset freezes have been imposed on Iran for decades by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union (EU), and other countries over its nuclear program, alleged human rights abuses, and Tehran's support for armed groups in the region.
In particular, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolutions imposing sanctions in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010.
These include an arms embargo, a ban on supplying certain nuclear-related materials and technologies, and the freezing of assets of certain Iranian companies and individuals.
The resolutions also prohibit Iran from undertaking any activities aimed at developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Although the resolutions froze funds and assets of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the state-owned shipping company, oil exports were excluded, given Iran's importance and role in the supply chain.
Following the signing of the JCPOA agreement in 2015, the Security Council set a schedule for lifting sanctions against Iran. However, US President Donald Trump tore up the agreement in 2018, leading to Iran ceasing to comply with some of its requirements.
The UN sanctions were subsequently reimposed through the "fast-track" mechanism last year.
US sanctions
For the US, Washington first imposed sanctions on Iran in 1979 when Iranians stormed the US embassy in Tehran, taking diplomats hostage.
Numerous additional sanctions have been imposed since then, including sweeping measures against Iran's oil and gas exports, its support for groups the U.S. considers terrorist organizations, and its nuclear program.
Currently, sanctions against Iran are administered by the US Treasury Department, but they fall under different jurisdictions and through different mechanisms, so there is no quick and easy way to lift all of them.
Sanctions imposed by the US President through executive orders can be reversed with just a stroke of the pen by Trump.
These include freezing billions of dollars worth of Iranian assets, imposing an arms embargo, banning all trade or investment in Iran, and prohibiting anyone from buying the country's oil.
Even more difficult to lift are sanctions imposed by the U.S. Congress. Many companies, individuals, and government agencies are specifically designated for sanctions, so lifting all U.S. sanctions could take a very long time.
The debate over lifting or continuing sanctions.
The complexity of sanctions against Iran has led many companies to worry about legal risks if they return to the country without a complete lifting of sanctions.
Reuters explained that because so many Iranian companies and individuals are included on the sanctions list, companies may have difficulty ensuring that they are not inadvertently violating the regulations.
Achieving long-term sanctions relief is crucial for Iran, both domestically and internationally.
Iran hopes to achieve further sanctions relief through negotiations on its nuclear program as the next phase of the interim agreement with the United States unfolds.
However, American academics and politicians are divided over sanctions against Iran, even within the Republican Party.
Some experts believe the recent US-Iran agreement represents a major concession to Tehran while the latter "has done nothing significant."
This view is supported by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who believes that President Trump "is getting advice from incompetent people."
Richard Nephew, an expert at Columbia University (USA), argues that easing sanctions is necessary to stabilize oil prices, but they should not be lifted completely because the IRGC could use the situation to strengthen its military capabilities.
When assessing the interim agreement cautiously, Trita Parsi (Quincy Institute) suggested that Iran and the US need to set aside their animosity and also pay attention to other factors in the region.
Recalling the lessons learned from the JCPOA under the Barack Obama administration, Parsi argued that any long-term, permanent agreement would require persistence from both sides.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mat-bao-lau-de-do-trung-phat-iran-100260624162605143.htm
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