UN imposes harsh sanctions on Iran over nuclear program
- The United Nations reinstated sanctions on Iran due to its non-compliance with nuclear program monitoring.
- These sanctions exacerbate the already distressed Iranian economy, causing significant increases in food prices.
- The imposition of sanctions raises fears of increased repression and military tensions in the region.
On September 27, 2025, the United Nations reinstated significant sanctions on Iran, targeting the nation’s nuclear program and imposed via the 'snapback' mechanism stipulated in the 2015 nuclear deal. This decision came after Iran's continued deviation from monitoring protocols and ongoing failures in negotiations with the United States, which led France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to take this drastic action. Iran’s economy has been under severe pressure, with its currency hitting all-time lows and essential food items like meat and rice becoming increasingly unaffordable for the public, who now face dire economic realities. The sanctions freeze Iranian assets abroad and halt arms deals, in addition to penalizing any advancements in the country's ballistic missile program. The humanitarian impact of these sanctions is evident, as many citizens report being unable to purchase necessary groceries, with costs soaring over the past year. For instance, the price of pinto beans has tripled, while butter prices have nearly doubled, exacerbating the daily struggles of families. Surveyed citizens express growing anxiety over both food insecurity and the potential resurgence of conflict in the Middle East. Following military actions involving Israel, it has been indicated that Iranian missile sites are being reconstructed, leading to additional fears of escalated tensions with not just Israel but possibly with the United States as well. Local media have noted an uptick in psychological distress among the Iranian populace, reflecting growing mental health needs amid the compounding crises. Activists warn of escalating repression within Iran, where reports suggest that more executions are occurring than in the past 30 years, with at least 1,000 executions recorded in 2025 alone. While the Iranian government defends the civilian nature of its nuclear program, Western authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency remain skeptical, underlining longstanding concerns regarding Iran's past military nuclear ambitions. This latest move by the UN reflects the international community's increasing urgency to address what is perceived as Iran’s dangerous trajectory towards nuclear capability, creating a state of heightened alert for global security.