US Sanctions Regimes

The most comprehensive US sanctions regime, targeting Iran's oil exports, banking system, and nuclear program. Sanctions have been tightened and loosened across administrations, from the 1979 hostage crisis through the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal to the current 'maximum pressure' campaign.

Sanctions imposed after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, dramatically expanded following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The most significant sanctions against a major economy since WWII, targeting Russia's central bank, sovereign wealth fund, energy exports, and technology imports.

Multilateral sanctions targeting North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. The most isolated economy on Earth faces UN Security Council sanctions, US secondary sanctions, and near-total trade restrictions.

The longest-running US sanctions regime, in effect since 1962. The comprehensive trade embargo was imposed to pressure the Castro government and has survived 11 US presidents, the end of the Cold War, and near-annual UN General Assembly votes condemning it.

Sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil sector, government officials, and central bank. Initially imposed over democratic backsliding under Maduro, sanctions have been tightened and partially relaxed as the US seeks leverage over migration and oil supply.

Comprehensive sanctions imposed during the Syrian Civil War, targeting the Assad regime's finances, oil sector, and military suppliers. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (2020) extended secondary sanctions to any entity doing business with the Syrian government.

Sanctions reimposed after the February 2021 military coup that overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Targets include military leaders, military-owned enterprises, and the gems and timber sectors that fund the junta.

A growing web of sanctions and export controls targeting China's technology sector, military-linked companies, and officials involved in Hong Kong repression and Xinjiang human rights abuses. Includes sweeping semiconductor export controls aimed at slowing China's AI and military capabilities.