The (Il)legality of U.S. Sanctions on Iran Post-JCPOA Withdrawal, Focusing on the ICJ's Provisional Measures Order

For over three decades, sanctions have been a consistent feature of United States policy towards Iran. Following the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in ۲۰۱۵ and United Nations Security Council Resolution ۲۲۳۱, in ۲۰۱۸ the United States withdrew from the agreement through Executive Order ۱۳۸۴۶, reinstating previous sanctions. Consequently, Iran decided to bring its case against the United States before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on the ۱۹۵۵ Treaty of Amity. The present article analyzes the ICJ's substantive jurisdiction (Merits) over this case, as well as the political and legal implications of the United States' unilateral sanctions against Iran. The research employs an analytical methodology, utilizing library research and note-taking to collect data. The research findings indicate that the ICJ's opinion is based on the illegality of comprehensive economic sanctions imposed on national security grounds, and that the Court has substantive jurisdiction over this case. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the United States' unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions not only violate Iran's sovereignty, but also infringe upon the human rights of the Iranian people. The United States' sanctions policy aligns with liberal and realist theories of international relations.

کلیدواژه ها:

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ، Liberalism ، Realism ، Resolution ۲۲۳۱ ، substantive jurisdiction ، Treaty of Amity Economic Relations and Consular Rights ۱۹۵۵