ABSTRACT
This study examines Iran's nuclear development, its response to US sanctions between 2018 and 2020, and the broader implications for global peace, economic resilience, and international cooperation (SDGs 16 and 17). Iran's nuclear programme began in 1957 but was halted in 1979. Negotiations with the P5+1 led to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, from which the US withdrew in 2018, reinstating economic sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran strengthened bilateral relations and adopted innovative strategies, including discounted oil sales, to mitigate economic pressures. Using qualitative methods and secondary data sources, the study reveals that while sanctions achieved limited objectives, they failed to coerce Iran into compliance. Instead, Iran demonstrated economic resilience through diversified exports and continued advancement of its nuclear programme. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive diplomacy and sustainable conflict resolution as essential tools for fostering global stability and peaceful international cooperation.
