There's a reason they got sanctioned, though, right? Broadly, attempting to develop nuclear warheads in unstable regions. So yeah, I'm ok with sanctioned people not trading TSLA to pressure the regime. Frankly, I can't think of a reason why that would be ok.
The sanctions affect everyone in Iran. The elites and people actually involved in the nuclear program in Iran have access to dollars/western markets via smuggling networks and other underground efforts (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reza_Zarrab, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-us-citizens-one-pakistani..., NIOC and ship-to-ship transfers, etc). The result is that unconnected people suffer and the elites continue on like before. Is it fair to deny a rug vendor in Tehran who wants to export some of their carpets to Europe their living because they live in a country with a terrible government?
Is it possible to exert pressure on the regime without also exerting pressure on the people? It's obviously sad collateral but IMO avoiding the Iranians getting a nuke is worth the cost. Undercutting the effort seems the worst of all worlds with most Iranians continuing to pay a high price for longer.
> Is it possible to exert pressure on the regime without also exerting pressure on the people?
Not really. Every government ultimately draws their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. If enough people riot and/or strike, you're done. Even Rome had a grain ration to keep the people content.
Your options for pressure usually come down to making the people of that country uncomfortable, or military action. Neither of which are very comfortable for those on the bottom.
You can also bribe the government to clean up their act, but that has a mixed record. I also wouldn't really call it putting pressure on the regime.
