Baqir al-Olum University Journal of Philosophy of Law 2980-8715 4 2 2025 09 23 An Examination of the Violation of Iranian Economic Human Rights Resulting from U.S. Economic Sanctions An Examination of the Violation of Iranian Economic Human Rights Resulting from U.S. Economic Sanctions 110 83 79394 10.22081/phlq.2025.71782.1116 FA Mohammad Adami Abarqoei PhD., Department of International Law, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran Ali Kafami Master's student, Department of International Law, Imam Sadeq University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 05 In the contemporary international system, economic sanctions are increasingly employed as instruments of political and economic pressure against states. One of the most prominent examples of such policy is the extensive and continuous sanctions imposed by the United States of America on the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 1979 Revolution. The present study aims to examine the economic dimensions of these sanctions and analyze their implications for the fundamental economic human rights of Iranian citizens. The principal question addressed in this research is whether the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran are compatible with the standards of economic human rights set forth in core human rights instruments—particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—or whether they should be regarded as violations thereof. This study adopts a descriptive–analytical approach, based on documentary and library research methods. Within this framework, the concept and status of economic sanctions in international law are first examined, followed by an analysis of the historical evolution of U.S. sanctions against Iran. Subsequently, the economic and social impacts of these sanctions are evaluated in light of international human rights instruments. The findings indicate that, despite the inclusion of humanitarian exemptions within the sanctions regime, these measures have, in practice, produced widespread economic and social consequences for Iranian citizens. Restricted access to the global financial and banking systems, reduced foreign investment, and disruption of trade exchanges have collectively led to weakened economic indicators and a decline in public welfare. Moreover, indirect obstacles to the supply of essential goods—such as medicines and medical equipment—have hindered the effective realization of rights including the right to health, the right to development, and the right to an adequate standard of living. Accordingly, the continuation of such sanctions appears to be inconsistent with international human rights obligations. In the contemporary international system, economic sanctions are increasingly employed as instruments of political and economic pressure against states. One of the most prominent examples of such policy is the extensive and continuous sanctions imposed by the United States of America on the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 1979 Revolution. The present study aims to examine the economic dimensions of these sanctions and analyze their implications for the fundamental economic human rights of Iranian citizens. The principal question addressed in this research is whether the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran are compatible with the standards of economic human rights set forth in core human rights instruments—particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—or whether they should be regarded as violations thereof. This study adopts a descriptive–analytical approach, based on documentary and library research methods. Within this framework, the concept and status of economic sanctions in international law are first examined, followed by an analysis of the historical evolution of U.S. sanctions against Iran. Subsequently, the economic and social impacts of these sanctions are evaluated in light of international human rights instruments. The findings indicate that, despite the inclusion of humanitarian exemptions within the sanctions regime, these measures have, in practice, produced widespread economic and social consequences for Iranian citizens. Restricted access to the global financial and banking systems, reduced foreign investment, and disruption of trade exchanges have collectively led to weakened economic indicators and a decline in public welfare. Moreover, indirect obstacles to the supply of essential goods—such as medicines and medical equipment—have hindered the effective realization of rights including the right to health, the right to development, and the right to an adequate standard of living. Accordingly, the continuation of such sanctions appears to be inconsistent with international human rights obligations. https://phlq.bou.ac.ir/article_79394_4406b0aadc54b0913704eb45c10f420a.pdf