Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mahdi Firoozabadian ¹
• Faramarz Yadegarian ²

¹ Assistant Professor of Law, Torbat-e Heydariyeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Heydariyeh, Iran

² M.A. Student of International Law, Science And Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

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 2015 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, in 2018 the United States withdrew from the agreement through Executive Order 13846, reinstating previous sanctions. Consequently, Iran decided to bring its case against the United States before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on the 1955 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.

Keywords

• Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
• Liberalism
• Realism
• Resolution 2231
• Substantive Jurisdiction
• Treaty of Amity Economic Relations and Consular Rights 1955

Main Subjects

• International Law
• International/ Regional Organizations
• International Treaties/ Agreements/ Deals/ Conventions
• Iran
• United States