On the surface, the U.S. sanctions Iran to halt its nuclear program and protect Israel. But in reality, these sanctions target countries that do not align with American interests, as detailed below.

Iran has not invaded another country in the past two centuries. Its official stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict—which has been submitted to the UN—calls for a resolution through a comprehensive democratic election. While Iran has never expressed an intention to launch an unprovoked military attack against Israel, Israel has assassinated many Iranian scientists and officials. It also repeatedly used its military to expand illegal settlements and occupy disputed land, despite warnings from numerous countries around the world, including its closest ally, the United States.

As a member of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty), Iran has the right to enrich uranium up to 20% and more. Despite this, Iran agreed to be held to a different standard than other member states by voluntarily limiting its enrichment to 3.67% under the JCPOA. What more could it have done?

Nevertheless, the U.S. under President Donald Trump continued to impose sanctions on Iran—even after multiple international bodies confirmed that Iran was complying with the agreement.

Sanctions have a more prolonged impact compared to wars. While wars are undoubtedly horrendous, their effects often cease when the conflict ends. But the consequences of sanctions are often longer-lasting. Some consequences of sanctions, such as malnutrition among children or untreated (or under-treated) medical conditions due to a lack of necessary medications, may manifest themselves over several decades.