Sanctions against Iran: Lessons for Russia in the new international context

Abstract

The escalation of sanctions pressure and the expansion of the range of sanctions used against Russia provides for understanding the importance of studying international experience in countering restrictive measures. The article discusses the features of the application of sanctions against Iran, their impact on the economy of the state, as well as the mechanisms and ways of its adaptation to the restrictive measures of Western countries. The authors identify typological similarities, in view of which the study of the Iranian experience is significant for Russia, and differences that deserve attention in terms of understanding Russia’s capabilities in this area. Iran has been under sanctions for several decades, large-scale and numerous restrictions have been applied against it. The nuclear deal contributed to eased sanctions pressure for a short period only, proving that such agreements on concessions by the target country in response to the lifting of restrictions by the initiating states are not always sustainable. As a result of the analysis, the main stages of imposing sanctions against Iran are defined. The authors highlight the trend towards sanctions against the energy and financial sector and its constant tightening, as well as the increasing number of participants in the coalition of initiating countries and the UN Security Council resolution on measures against Iran. The UN Security Council sanctions are viewed as serious measures in terms of foreign policy implications. In addition, the authors reveal the key elements of Iran’s policy in the field of countering restrictive measures and adapting the economy to them. Measures related to structural changes in the economy, optimization of the social sphere, use of imperfection of sanctions regimes, diversification of international partners are indicated as such components. Thus, Iran’s experience in adapting to sanctions can rather be characterized as successful and relevant for Russia, despite the different starting positions.