Trump Returns with Strong Anti-Iran Measures: Oil Exports to be Halted


 

Trump’s “Maximum Pressure” Strategy Aims to Sever Iran’s Financial Lifeline

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, targeting its nuclear program and economic stability. On February 4, 2025, Trump signed a memorandum directing the U.S. Treasury and State Departments to take aggressive steps to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero. This decision is part of an effort to intensify the sanctions on the Iranian regime, which is accused of advancing its nuclear weapons program.

Trump’s new executive action aims to place significant pressure on Iran’s financial resources. According to reports, the U.S. seeks to sever the flow of oil exports, which amounted to approximately $53 billion in 2023, as Iran’s primary revenue source. Trump argued that if such measures had been enacted earlier, the recent Hamas attacks on Israel, backed by Iran, could have been avoided. He expressed a desire for negotiations but emphasized that the U.S. will not tolerate Iran’s aggressive actions.

The move comes as the United States grows increasingly concerned about Iran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons. According to Trump, during his first term, Iran was “very close” to obtaining nuclear capabilities. This includes claims that Iran has secretly organized a team of scientists to expedite the production of nuclear weapons. The U.S. government has also pointed to intelligence suggesting that Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear agenda despite international sanctions.

In addition to these actions, Trump made a stark warning regarding his personal safety, referencing reports from the U.S. Department of Justice about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate him. Trump, reflecting on the 2020 targeted killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, stated that any Iranian attempt on his life would lead to “total obliteration.” He went as far as to say that Iran would face severe consequences, including total destruction, if they followed through on such threats. His administration had previously taken decisive action against Iran’s military leaders, contributing to ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Trump's stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions is clear: “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon on my watch,” he declared, reiterating his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. His administration had previously withdrawn from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), accusing the agreement of being too lenient on Iran and fostering further instability in the Middle East.

The latest actions underscore Trump’s belief that the Biden administration’s attempts to ease sanctions have only emboldened Iran. He claims that the weakening of sanctions under President Biden has led to Iran’s continued nuclear progress and the heightened threat posed by groups like Hamas, which receives Iranian backing.

Trump’s return to the forefront of U.S. foreign policy is marked by a firm stance against Iran, highlighting his commitment to halting Iran’s nuclear program and ending its support for militant groups in the region. The coming months will reveal how these measures are enforced and whether they lead to meaningful changes in Iran’s behavior on the global stage.

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