Iraq's Sanctions 1990 to 2025

 

Iraq's history of international sanctions began in August 1990, after President Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of neighboring Kuwait. In response, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 661, imposing comprehensive economic and trade sanctions on Iraq. These sanctions, led by the U.S. and supported by much of the international community, aimed to force Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait and curb its military aggression. After the Gulf War ended in 1991, the sanctions were not lifted; instead, they were tightened under Resolution 687 to pressure Iraq into eliminating its weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and allowing UN weapons inspections.

Throughout the 1990s, Iraq remained under strict sanctions, which crippled its economy and devastated its infrastructure. While Saddam Hussein’s regime still managed to hold onto power, the Iraqi people suffered widespread poverty, malnutrition, and a crumbling healthcare system. To ease humanitarian concerns, the UN created the Oil-for-Food Program in 1995, allowing Iraq to sell limited quantities of oil in exchange for food, medicine, and basic supplies.

Sanctions remained in place until the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was based largely on allegations that Saddam was hiding WMDs—claims that were later proven false. After the fall of Saddam, most UN sanctions were lifted. However, some restrictions related to arms and financial oversight stayed in place. In 2010, Iraq was allowed to rejoin international markets more fully, but indirect sanctions—especially those tied to terrorism, regional conflicts, and U.S. political pressure—have continued in various forms.

Today, Iraq is still dealing with the consequences of decades-long sanctions, including infrastructure deficits, corruption, and limited access to international financial systems. Although many official sanctions have been lifted, the legacy of those years still shapes Iraq’s economy and global relations.