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Iran, protests, and sanctions

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Shownote

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Iran, protests, and sanctions

Planet Money

Feb 07
Planet Money

Planet Money

Feb 07
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Book tour tickets and details here. The recent protests in Iran are about so many things. Human rights, corruption, freedom. But this time – they are also motivated by economic hardship. Hardship caused, in part, by US sanctions.  The US has been sanct...

Highlights

This episode explores how decades of U.S. sanctions have shaped Iran’s economy, politics, and society — not as a clean diplomatic tool, but as a force that deepened hardship, reshaped state power, and helped ignite the latest wave of protests.
00:00
People chanted against the dictator and felt hopeful during the Tehran protest
03:03
Independent observers estimate tens of thousands were killed in Iran's crackdown on protests
06:14
U.S. sanctions on Iran have been in place for 47 years
12:20
The 1979 U.S. embassy hostage situation significantly radicalized Iran's constitutional debate over foreign investment and economic sovereignty
15:28
The Iran-Iraq war made it difficult for Iran to maintain a closed economy
18:20
Iran lowered tariffs, reopened its stock exchange, and attracted foreign investment in the 1990s
27:53
U.S. officials failed to deliver promised sanctions relief because global banks refused to re-engage with Iran due to over-compliance culture

Chapters

What Did Ali Witness in Tehran’s Streets?
00:00
How Did Sanctions Turn Economic Pain Into Protest?
03:03
What Three Turning Points Define Iran’s Sanctions Story?
06:14
Why Did Iran Choose Sovereignty Over Investment in 1979?
09:23
How Did War Force Iran to Rethink Economic Isolation?
15:28
What Happened When Iran Opened Its Economy in the 1990s?
18:20
Why Did the Nuclear Deal Fail to Lift Iranians’ Burden?
21:32

Transcript

Speaker 6: This message comes from the International Rescue Committee. Co-founded with help from Albert Einstein, the IRC provides emergency aid and support to people affected by conflict and disaster. Donate today by visiting rescue.org. /rebuild. Mary C...