Data & Analysis
Understanding the economic dimensions of U.S.-Iran relations through data visualization.
$8K → $5K
GDP Per Capita Drop
2012-2024
1.5M rial/$
Currency Collapse
Jan 2026
60%
Oil Export Drop
Since 2018
17%/year
Middle Class Decline
Under sanctions
Economic Impact of Sanctions
The "maximum pressure" campaign has inflicted severe damage on Iran's economy, causing GDP contraction, hyperinflation, and currency collapse.
GDP Contraction (2018-2019)
Sanctions Timeline Impact
Oil & Energy Potential
Iran holds the world's 4th largest oil reserves and 2nd largest natural gas reserves. Sanctions have suppressed production well below potential.
Oil Reserves (billion barrels)
Current Production (million b/d)
Note: Iran's production is suppressed by sanctions. Peak was 4.0M b/d in 2007.
Trade Reality
From billions in annual trade during the alliance era to just $60 million today. The economic relationship has nearly completely collapsed.
U.S.-Iran Trade Over Time ($M)
Alliance Era (1970s)
Billions in annual trade. U.S. was major supplier of military hardware, consumer goods, and technology.
Today (2025)
Just $60 million total. U.S. exports mainly humanitarian goods ($58.6M). Imports limited to carpets, pistachios ($1.4M).
Potential
An 88-million-person market awaits normalization. Iran's dilapidated infrastructure needs foreign investment.
Data Sources: World Bank, IMF, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, OPEC, Congressional Research Service.