06 Nov 2018 | 10:55 AM UTC
Iran: Protests possible as US reinstates economic sanctions /update 1
US economic sanctions on Iran reinstated on November 5; social unrest possible in the coming days and weeks
Event
US President Donald Trump reinstated economic sanctions against Iran on Monday, November 5, which are expected to significantly affect the country's oil, shipping, and banking sectors. Social unrest denouncing US sanctions and Iranian government policies is possible in the coming days and weeks, notably if the economic situation deteriorates. Multiple strikes and protests over dire economic conditions have been taking place in Iran since September.
On November 4, thousands of people gathered outside the former US Embassy in the capital Tehran to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the 1979 hostage crisis, demonstrating strong anti-American sentiment.
Context
The sanctions are being reinstated in an effort to force Iran to suspend its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its alleged support to organizations labeled as terrorist by the US in the Middle East.
The sanctions target the country's oil exports as well as over 600 individuals and companies in the shipping and banking industries. Important oil importers - China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Greece, Japan, and Taiwan - have been authorized to continue their import of Iranian oil for the next six months.
Advice
Individuals in Iran are advised to monitor developments to the situation, strictly avoid all protests and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
