Military action would lead to not only thousands of lost lives, but also put the country in crippling debt. Sanctions act as more of a push to stop misbehaving and are less violent and oppressive compared to military intervention.

Governments in countries such as Iran and Cuba not only cause harm to neighboring nations and the global community but also subject their own populations to oppression. The sanctions enforced by the U.S. have the potential to compel these governments to do better to help their people. Additionally, these sanctions could pave the way for a regime change, thereby fostering the growth of democracy to an entirely new level.