15
August 2018
Past Event
Iran: Protests, Sanctions, and Regime Viability

Iran: Protests, Sanctions, and Regime Viability

Past Event
Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C. Headquarters
August 15, 2018
Iranian protesters shout slogans during a demonstration in central Tehran, June 25, 2018
Caption
Iranian protesters shout slogans during a demonstration in central Tehran, June 25, 2018
15
August 2018
Past Event

1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004

Speakers:
Mike Pregent

Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute

Alireza Nader

Independent Iran Scholar

Behnam Ben Taleblu

Research Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Mariam Memarsadeghi

Co-founder and Co-director, Tavaana: E-Learning Institute for Iranian Civil Society

Nader Uskowi

Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, Atlantic Council

On August 6, President Trump officially snapped back sanctions on Iran as part of his “Maximum Pressure” campaign on the country. This is the second concrete step taken by the administration this year, following their formal withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in May. The restored sanctions prohibit transactions by countries and private entities involving everything from dollar notes and gold to commercial aircraft. The decision to reimpose these sanctions has drawn opposition from Iran and U.S. allies alike.

Given recent protests in the country over economic woes and ineffective government, the sanctions come at a particularly challenging time for Iran. What remains to be seen is whether new economic pressure will prompt Iran to revive its nuclear ambitions or pressure Tehran into renegotiating a nuclear accord.

On August 15, Hudson Institute hosted a panel to discuss Iran, the effectiveness of the U.S. “Maximum Pressure” campaign, the regime’s ability to navigate sanctions, and the country’s widening protests. Panelists included Michael Pregent, Hudson Institute senior fellow; Alireza Nader, an independent Iran scholar; Behnam Ben Taleblu, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies; and Mariam Memarsadeghi, co-founder and co-director of Tavaana.

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