Challenges in Containment: Assessing the Ineffectiveness of US Sanctions on Iran’s Regional Ambitions

Abstract

The objective of this article is to delve into the topic of sanctions in international relations, with a primary focus on the case of Iran, from a theoretical standpoint. The aim is to showcase that sanctions did not diminish Iran’s regional importance but rather fostered increased cooperation between Iran and Russia. This article critically examines the efficacy of sanctions as a tool in US foreign policy, shedding light on the significant costs incurred due to the exclusion of Western businesses from the sanctioned Iranian market. By doing so, the article challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding sanctions and offers a nuanced perspective on their impact in the realm of international diplomacy.