Comparative Analysis of U.S. Oil Sanctions Against Iran and Russia

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Imam Hossein Comprehensive University, Tehran, Iran

2 Faculty of Resistance Economy, Imam Hossein Comprehensive University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

U.S. oil sanctions against Iran and Russia, as part of the broader foreign policy strategies of the United States, have had differing impacts on the economies of these two countries. This article aimed to identify the similarities and differences between U.S.-imposed oil sanctions—both primary and secondary—against Iran and Russia. Using thematic analysis and the MAXQDA software, this study conducts a comparative analysis of U.S. oil sanctions targeting Iran and Russia. The findings indicated that although oil sanctions against Iran and Russia pursue similar overarching objectives, they differ significantly in terms of their intensity and scope. According to one of the key findings, while both countries have been subjected to “asset-freeze” sanctions in various cases and for different reasons, the asset-freeze sanctions imposed on Iran have been far more severe and extensive. For example, the National Iranian Oil Company is subject to asset-freeze sanctions, whereas Russia’s largest oil company, Rosneft, has not yet faced such sanctions. The experiences derived from sanctions, considering the anti-sanctions infrastructures in Iran and Russia, underscore the necessity of establishing structured cooperation to utilize mutual capacities. Such cooperation can prevent negative competition between the two countries in addressing sanctions and contribute to increasing efficiency and success in overcoming sanctions imposed on both countries.

Keywords

Main Subjects

International Political Economy Studies
Volume 8, Issue 2
March 2026
Pages 63-84

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 22 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 January 2026

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