The Iran nuclear deal, known as the joint comprehensive plan of action was signed in July 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the united nations security council, ie the UK, USA, France, China and Russia. Later others were invited to sign. The conditions of the deal are reported to involve a curtailment of Iran’s enriched uranium program in return for an easing of un sanctions which are comprehensive. Ayatollah Khomeini complied according to official reports.
Sanctions against Iran included a prohibition of shipping and ship building which precludes trade. An Iranian oil tanker was misappropriated by the UK recently. This was illegal and has never been explained.
In 2010, oil accounted for 80% of Iranian exports. National Iranian Oil Company, used to be Anglo-Persian oil company, is the second largest oil enterprise in the world. It is said to be state-owned and had estimated assets of 200 billion US dollars in 2013, but who benefited?
Although un sanctions were never withdrawn, US sanctions are said to have been imposed on Iran in 2018. According to news, Donald Trump has been thinking about lifting some sanctions against Iran, but will he go ahead?