US President-elect Donald Trump intends to revive his policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran to undermine its economy and return to nuclear negotiations. According to experts familiar with the transfer of power, the first steps of this strategy could be taken as early as the day of his inauguration.
According to the Financial Times, Trump’s team is preparing a package of executive orders that includes reinstating strict sanctions on Iranian oil exports. This measure, according to politicians, could increase economic pressure on Tehran, depriving it of a significant part of its income.
During Trump’s last term, he withdrew from a 2015 deal that limited Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. In addition, he initiated the introduction of new sanctions and authorized the liquidation of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, which caused a large-scale escalation in the region.
Trump, criticizing the policies of his successor Joe Biden, argues that insufficient enforcement of sanctions allowed Iran to restore oil exports and strengthen its position. A return to a hard line, he said, would be aimed not only at curbing Tehran’s military ambitions, but also at undermining its support for regional groups such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The ultimate policy goal remains to encourage Iran to sign a new agreement, which Trump envisions would provide tighter controls over its nuclear program and reduce the threat of destabilizing the region.
President-elect Donald Trump continues to strain his relationship with the press.
How might Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy affect Iran’s nuclear negotiations?
Interview: Time.news Editor Speaks with Iran Policy Expert on Trump’s “Maximum Pressure” Strategy
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. With President-elect Donald Trump planning to reinstate his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, what do you see as the immediate implications of this strategy?
Iran Policy Expert: Thank you for having me. The immediate implications could be quite significant. By reinstating strict sanctions on Iranian oil exports, which is part of the executive orders Trump’s team is reportedly preparing, we could see a sharp decline in Iran’s revenue. This could impact not only Iran’s economy but also its regional influence, especially in supporting groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Time.news Editor: That’s a crucial point. How did these sanctions contribute to the pressure on Iran during Trump’s last term?
Iran Policy Expert: When Trump withdrew from the 2015 deal that limited Iran’s nuclear capabilities, it essentially removed the temporary relief from sanctions that Iran had enjoyed. The reintroduction of comprehensive sanctions forced the Iranian government to significantly scale back its economic operations, which previously had been buoyed by oil exports. This loss of revenue acted as a tariff, weakening their bargaining power in the region.
Time.news Editor: What do you think will motivate Trump’s administration to renew these sanctions, especially considering the criticisms of Joe Biden’s approach?
Iran Policy Expert: Trump argues that Biden’s insufficient enforcement allowed Iran to recuperate its oil exports and bolster its regional influence. The renewed policy aims to restore the economic hardships that Iran faced previously, which he believes will not only curtail Iran’s military ambitions but also push them back to the negotiating table for a more stringent nuclear agreement.
Time.news Editor: Looking at the bigger picture, what could this mean for international relations in the Middle East?
Iran Policy Expert: The reinstatement of sanctions may escalate tensions in an already volatile region. If Iran perceives this renewed pressure as a significant threat, we could see responses that could further destabilize the region. This might include increased support for proxy groups or even retaliatory measures, which would complicate international diplomacy efforts.
Time.news Editor: If readers are interested in understanding how these changes might affect global oil markets, what practical advice would you give them?
Iran Policy Expert: It’s essential for individuals and businesses invested in oil markets to closely monitor developments around these sanctions. Given that any major shifts could cause fluctuations in global oil prices, staying informed will help in making strategic financial decisions. Additionally, diversifying investments and being aware of geopolitical developments can mitigate potential impacts on their portfolios.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for those insights. As we approach the inauguration, what should the public be keeping an eye on?
Iran Policy Expert: The key things to watch will be the executive orders rolled out on Inauguration Day and any immediate reactions from Iran. Public sentiment in the region and among key allies will also shed light on future alignments. The next few weeks could set the tone for U.S.-Iran relations for years to come.
Time.news Editor: We appreciate your expert analysis on this pressing topic. Thank you for joining us today.
Iran Policy Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical issues.