The Iranian government has demanded that the United States pay nearly $6.8 billion in damages for the impact of sanctions on patients with a rare skin disease called epidermolysis bullosa. An Iranian court ordered the payment, stating that the US measures deprived patients of necessary medicines and ointments, leading to the death of approximately 20 people. The trial, which began in November 2021, involved 295 complainants, including patients, who accused 30 American officials of participating in the establishment of the sanctions [021c1b4e][64d74ba6].
The impact of the US measures on patients with epidermolysis bullosa was highlighted by independent United Nations experts in October 2021 as an example of over-compliance with sanctions. Although Washington had exempted humanitarian goods, including medicines and medical equipment, from its sanctions, international purchases of these supplies were hindered by banks cautious of conducting business with Iran [021c1b4e][64d74ba6].
This demand for compensation underscores the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly regarding the impact of economic sanctions on the Iranian population, including vulnerable patients. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by Iran in accessing necessary medical supplies due to the reluctance of international banks to engage in transactions with the country [021c1b4e][64d74ba6].
In addition to this demand for compensation, the Iranian judiciary had previously ordered the seizure of American oil worth more than $50 million aboard a tanker seized in 2023 [64d74ba6].