Strategic Assessment
The sanctions imposed on Iran since the summer of 2012 are painful and palpable. Nevertheless, thus far the sanctions have yet to achieve their main purpose – to alter the regime’s behavior on the nuclear question. This article seeks to analyze the effect of the sanctions on Iran, and to assess the regime’s response to Iran’s deteriorating economic situation. The main conclusion is that while the sanctions are having an impact on Iran’s economy, they are still not severe enough. Current signs indicate a willingness to negotiate and possibly agree to a technical compromise, but without foregoing the substance of the nuclear weapons program. If the conditions do not change, the US administration should promote additional measures in order to intensify the pressure on the Iranian regime. One possibility for generating effective pressure on Iran is an economic blockade against it.