THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AS A DETERRENT MEASURES AGAINST IRAN UNCLEAR DEAL

This study explored the effectiveness of economic sanctions as a deterrent mechanism against Iran’s nuclear development, focusing on how sanctions shape Iran’s willingness to comply with international nuclear agreements. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with international relations experts, policy analysts, and scholars who possess specialized knowledge of Iran’s nuclear diplomacy and global sanctions regimes. The thematic analysis produced five major findings: The success or failure of sanctions in halting Iran’s nuclear program depends heavily on the multilateral nature and consistency of their enforcement, Iranian public perception of sanctions is shaped by national pride and socio-economic hardship, resulting in mixed responses to international pressure, internal political divisions in Iran between reformists and hardliners, affect how sanctions are interpreted and addressed at the policy level, inconsistent application of sanctions and abrupt policy shifts, especially following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, severely undermined Iran’s trust in the credibility of nuclear agreements and while sanctions have driven short-term compliance in the past, their long-term effectiveness is contingent upon the presence of reciprocal, enforceable benefits and stable diplomatic engagement. These findings reveal that sanctions, when applied strategically and consistently, can influence state behavior, but they must be embedded within broader diplomatic frameworks that offer clear incentives and build trust over time