Simon Cox of the Economist and Jake Colvin of the National Foreign Trade Council debate the merits and drawbacks of economic sanctions.

This policy paper from Michael Jacobson, a senior fellow in The Washington Institute's Stein Program on Terrorism, Intelligence, and Policy, argues that the Bush administration should use Congressional pressure to employ tougher economic sanctions against Iranas leverage in its efforts to forge effective international cooperation on Iran.

Abbas Bolurfrushan, the former president of the Iranian Business Council in Dubai, discusses the Iranian economy and the effects of sanctions on Iranian businesses.

This U.S. Department of the Treasury states, "As part of its enforcement efforts, OFAC publishes a list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country-specific. Collectively, such individuals and companies are called "Specially Designated Nationals" or "SDNs." Their assets are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them."

A dispute over the seizure of fifteen British naval personnel by Iran's government threatens to further erode relations between Tehran and the West.

Matthew Levitt, an expert on terrorism financing, applauds efforts by U.S. officials to "think outside the box" and apply financial pressure against Iranian banks.

Six-Party Talks stall, despite a U.S. policy shift involving the release of frozen North Korean funds from a bank in Macao.

A second round of UN sanctions is expected against Iran, including a possible arms embargo. Yet experts disagree whether more sanctions will make Tehran buckle.

Amid reports Tehran may soften its nuclear stance, Washington has squeezed Iran to signal it will not allow the country to dominate the region.

With Iran’s economy struggling and the conservative camp split, President Ahmadinejad may find himself increasingly marginalized on foreign policy matters. 

Bruce Jentleson examines the prospects for using sanctions against Iran in this paper for the Century Foundation. He argues that UN-mandated sanctions are a "crucial element" in preventing Iran from further developing its nuclear program.

Despite a spotty record of effectiveness, Western states continue to promote UN sanctions in cases ranging from North Korea to Iran. But the UN Security Council is more divided than ever about implementing these coercive measures.

The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control states, "This fact sheet provides general information about the Iranian sanctions programs under the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 560, and the Iranian Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 535. These sanctions are administered by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control."