ABSTRACT
The article analyzes the main trends in the socio-economic and political development of the Islamic Republic of Iran after returned American unilateral sanctions and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviewing the situation in Iran in the first months of the pandemic, the authors analyze the government’s efforts to minimize its consequences and give their assessments of the socio-economic and political development of Iran in the near future. Iran became the second center of COVID-19 spread after China. However, the authorities, while imposing some restrictions, did not impose a strict isolation regime. Lack of quarantine in some areas led to the spread of the disease throughout the country. The forced closure of enterprises, air routes and land borders led to financial losses, an increase in unemployment and a decrease in the living standards of the population. The socio-economic crisis caused by the pandemic is of a global nature. It resulted in a drop in oil prices. The situation is in Iran is aggravated by the economic recession, due to oil export sanctions and reduction in country’s income. The religious factor plays an important role in government programs. Islamic foundations also support the population. However, the closure of mosques and the restriction of religious activity displease Shiite clerics. Iranian society does not accept social distancing measures;it is not ready to abandon gatherings and meetings since its ethno-cultural traditions are based on the principle of collectivism. In the context of the socio-economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a rise of radical trends in political sphere. All of the above trends may lead to instability and pose a threat to public security. © 2020 Russian Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.