Anti-Iranian Sanctions: A Double-Edged Sword in Science and Technology
For decades, anti-Iranian sanctions, particularly in scientific and technological fields, have served as both a primary driver for domestic self-sufficiency and a significant barrier to accessing cutting-edge global advancements. While these restrictions have motivated Iran to harness its internal capacities and talents, they have simultaneously acted as a blockade, hindering the country's access to the latest innovations across various sectors. Universities and research institutions have also faced direct and indirect consequences of these sanctions.
One of the most immediate impacts of sanctions is the difficulty in acquiring essential equipment—ranging from medical devices to engineering tools—as repeatedly highlighted by professionals in related fields. For instance, according to Shahrouz Hemmati, President of the Iranian Association of Clinical Laboratory Doctors, and Simin Hiradfar, Head of the Khorasan Razavi Pathology Association, sanctions and currency fluctuations have imposed severe challenges on laboratories. Importing diagnostic kits and equipment has become increasingly difficult, leading to delays or even the discontinuation of previously routine tests. Additionally, regulatory hurdles for domestic manufacturers and continuous price hikes in kits and devices have placed immense financial strain on laboratories, many of which can no longer afford to upgrade their equipment.
However, the effects of sanctions extend far beyond these issues. Reza Safari Shali, a faculty member in the Sociology Department at Kharazmi University, and Ashkan Zarei, an expert at the Office of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence at Sharif University of Technology’s Innovation Center, have elaborated on these broader implications in response to questions from an IRNA researcher.
Sanctions and the Constriction of Academic and Research Activities
Safari Shali notes that sanctions impose restrictions that particularly affect professors and graduate students, manifesting in limited opportunities for research sabbaticals, access to facilities, and international academic collaboration. Sanctions have also disrupted currency exchange mechanisms, creating economic instability for academics.
Student Exchange and Research Opportunities Under Sanctions
Sanctions have severely complicated student exchange programs for targeted countries. Reflecting on Iran’s experience, Safari Shali recalls that in the 1990s and early 2000s, Iranian universities were not subject to the current level of restrictions, allowing for smooth academic exchanges. At that time, the University of Tehran hosted numerous international students, with dedicated dormitories such as "Building 23" allocated for them. Similarly, Iranian students frequently pursued studies in Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Today, however, sanctions have become a major obstacle—not only limiting foreign student admissions in Iran but also complicating outbound academic mobility for Iranian students.
Circumventing Sanctions: A Costly and Problematic Workaround
Safari Shali also highlights the challenges sanctions pose in accessing modern technologies and scientific tools. Key software for statistical analysis, engineering, and technical fields is often restricted, forcing students and researchers to rely on unofficial channels and VPNs to obtain them. This workaround introduces inconsistencies—for example, the same dataset processed by two different (and often pirated) versions of software like SPSS may yield divergent results, undermining research reliability.
Beyond software, sanctions have disrupted the supply of laboratory equipment for engineering, basic sciences (e.g., chemistry and physics), and even medical and dental fields. Shortages of raw materials and tools have stalled research projects, creating significant hurdles for students and scientists.
Sanctions as a Form of Global Injustice
Drawing a historical parallel, Safari Shali points to pre-industrial Europe, where feudal systems treated laborers as property tied to land. The Industrial Revolution spurred critiques of such inequalities, leading to reforms like social democracy. Yet, he argues, while domestic injustices have diminished in some regions, they have resurfaced on a global scale through sanctions.
Sanctions, imposed primarily by Western nations, represent a form of international inequity, contradicting the principle of equal opportunity. Those who advocate for human rights, Safari Shali asserts, should question why nations with differing ideologies face such punitive measures. "Would these countries accept being sanctioned if the tables were turned?" he asks, emphasizing the need to respect ideological diversity.
The Brain Drain and Forced Relocation of Knowledge-Based Firms
Zarei adds that many Iranian knowledge-based companies and startups have been compelled to relocate—often to the UAE, Qatar, or other Gulf states—to bypass sanctions and continue operations. Meanwhile, despite these challenges, numerous Iranian graduates excel in prestigious global institutions, contributing to high-quality scientific output—a testament to Iran’s untapped potential under sanctions.
Conclusion
While sanctions have inadvertently spurred domestic innovation, their broader impact—restricting academic exchange, stifling research, and perpetuating global inequities—remains a pressing concern. The resilience of Iran’s scientific community highlights both the costs of these restrictions and the need for a more just international order.
Source: Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA)
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