As of 2017, about 10-12 million Iranian people live under the poverty line. Millions are likely to have joined this group since the economic downturn began in 2018 when sanctions were reimposed.

In Collateral Damage: The Humanitarian Consequences of U.S. Sanctions on Iran, Kristy Lam explores the inaccuracy of the general perception in the West of Iran being the "enemy" and/or being a dangerous country in the Middle East. This book explores a different side of Iran and reveals the kindness, humility, and resilience of ordinary Iranian people despite the hardships caused by economic sanctions.

Ordinary civilians should not be put in the crosshairs of international relations. By learning from the experiences of Iranian citizens, this book examines how foreign policy tools can affect people's daily lives-everything from access to healthcare, the price of food, or starting a business. Learn what Iran is really like.