Exploring the Possibility of Establishing Crimes Against Humanity from the Unilateral US Sanctions Against Iran

The unilateral sanctions by the United States, particularly post- Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action sanctions, have severely impacted the Iranian population. As a result, these illegitimate sanctions, in addition to undermining Iran's economic foundations, have also prevented the import of essential goods to meet humanitarian needs. This has restricted access to sufficient food, medicine, and medical equipment, endangering Iranians' health and leading to the spread of disease, death, and casualties. The present research seeks to answer this fundamental question by using library resources and a descriptive-analytical method.  approach to answer the question: Is it possible to establish crimes against humanity from the unilateral US sanctions against Iran? If so, how and under what conditions and criteria? By examining international documents such as the Rome Statute and case law, the article concludes that these unilateral sanctions, particularly those that severely affect the population's life and needs, can form elements of crimes against humanity. This is conditional on the sanctioning state's actions being part of its policy against the targeted civilian population of the sanctioned country.