ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN FACES NEW CHALLENGES

10.31857/S032150750009542-8

Elena V. DUNAEVA
PhD (History), Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences; Associate Professor, Institute of Asian and African Studies, Moscow State University ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

Vladimir I. SAZHIN
PhD (History), Professor, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

    The article analyzes the main trends in the socio-economic and political development of the Islamic Republic of Iran after the US withdrawal from JCPOA and returning the unilateral sanctions. The authors review the current state of the nuclear deal and Iran’s gradual refusal to fulfill its obligations and assess the possibilities of preservation of Iran nuclear deal in current conditions. Iran faces new challenges in 2019 such as increased confrontation with the United States as a result of tougher US sanctions especially in the oil sector. Iran -US standoff in the region intensified.

   The situation in the country was aggravated by the economic recession especially in the oil industry, high inflation and unemployment, which led to a decline in living standards and an increase in protest potential. Rising petrol prices by the Government in November 2019 triggered massive and destructive protests in the country. Protesters shouted slogans against the country’s leaders and Islamic regime. There was a widespread crackdown against demonstrators. In recent years the growth of protests turns into a major challenge to the regime.

   The political situation is extremely complex. Domestic power struggle is intensifying. In February 2020 conservatives won the parliamentary elections. Strengthening the hardliners will lead to the fact that tensions between Iran and the United States will continue to grow.

    Coronavirus epidemic swept the country and it is causing serious economic damage.   These challenges are a threat to the stability of the regime. In this situation, the most real way to resolve problems is to step up the negotiations with JCPOA‘s partners and establish contacts negotiate with the United States through them.