US Sanctions Impact Nearly 200 Million Under UN Criticism

The United States has increasingly relied on unilateral sanctions as a key foreign policy tool, particularly against Iran, a practice criticized for its illegality and negative humanitarian impact by international experts and UN officials. Iran, under immense pressure from US-led sanctions and coordinated efforts with Israel, faces significant economic and political strain, which has contributed to a surge in executions, including those for alleged espionage linked to Israel’s intelligence agency. The Trump administration's "maximum pressure" strategy has combined economic sanctions, intelligence operations, and precision strikes to degrade Iran's nuclear program, notably targeting critical facilities and revoking oil-sanction waivers, further isolating the Iranian regime. This approach has markedly weakened Iran, which is simultaneously grappling with internal dissent and international isolation, while the US and Israel maintain a united front to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. The ongoing escalation in Iran, including the execution of accused spies, underscores the heightened tensions and the severe consequences of the punitive measures imposed. Despite the controversy surrounding unilateral sanctions, their enforcement remains central to US foreign policy aimed at compelling Iran to dismantle its nuclear program and reduce its destabilizing activities.