Inside Story

Who will be worst hit by US sanctions on Iran?

New US economic sanctions on Iran will come in effect on Monday, possibly hurting Iranian citizens the most.

US President Donald Trump teased his 55 million Twitter followers about his latest action against Iran in the style of a Hollywood movie poster – a picture of him with the words: Sanctions are Coming.

But Trump’s taunt wasn’t a joke, and it’s expected there will be real life consequences for millions of Iranians.

The strict economic and trade penalties come into effect on Monday.

The White House says the aim is to force Iran to abandon what it calls its “destructive” behaviour in the Middle East.

But the move has been condemned by Russia, China and many European allies. International investigators say Tehran is complying with the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

As Trump keeps his promise to punish Iran, could the new tough measures end up hurting the Iranian people the most?

Presenter: Richelle Carey

Guests:

Francois Nicoullaud – Former French ambassador to Iran

Mohammad Eslami – Columnist and political researcher

Drew Liquerman – Republicans Overseas UK