The phrase "to lift the sanctions" means to remove or end the economic or trade restrictions that have been imposed on a person, country, or organization as a form of punishment or pressure. Full definition
It's saying there is no difference because the benefits of lifting the sanctions only go to very select people. (politics.stackexchange.com)
And while lifting sanctions will open up possibilities for external financing, the country also needs international oil companies to establish activities on Iranian soil. (blog.politics.ox.ac.uk)
While House and Senate opponents could pass a resolution blocking Obama from lifting sanctions on Iran, they look unlikely to round up the two - thirds of votes in both chambers needed to override President Obama's veto. (nydailynews.com)