Politics of US Sanctions Against Iran: An Analysis Since 2000

Abstract

Sanctions have been a regular feature of U.S. policy toward Iran for more than three decades. The study of, the hypothesis put forth by, this paper has its roots in a detailed analysis of the relations between USA and Iran in the time frame of 2 decades, 2000 to 2020, changing trends in the aforementioned relation upon the basis of economic sanctions imposed by the USA. The paper is categorized into the administrations of three US Presidents (Bush, Obama and Trump) and traces all the sanctions imposed throughout their presidencies. It focuses on the difference between the administrative sanction policies of Bush, Obama and Trump towards Iran despite of the country being acquiescent with its obligations based on the nuclear deal; JCOPA (The Iranian Nuclear Deal). The study is conducted in the light of two theories of International Relations: realism and liberalism.