Tue Feb 04 20:40:00 UTC 2025: **Trump Reinstates “Maximum Pressure” Campaign Against Iran Amidst Netanyahu Visit**
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, unveiling an executive order on Tuesday that imposes sweeping new sanctions aimed at crippling the country’s oil exports. The move coincided with a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House.
While Trump admitted to reservations about signing the order, calling it “very tough,” he insisted the sanctions are necessary to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He expressed hope that the measures won’t need to be fully implemented. The order directs the Treasury Department to enforce the sanctions.
This action mirrors a similar strategy employed by Trump’s first administration. This renewed pressure comes despite Trump previously signaling openness to a new nuclear deal with Iran. In January, he expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a negotiated agreement.
Meanwhile, bipartisan concern about Iran’s nuclear program is growing on Capitol Hill. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John Fetterman (D-PA), along with House colleagues, introduced a resolution urging that “all options remain on the table” to counter the threat.
Senator Graham has been particularly vocal, advocating for decisive action against Iran’s nuclear capabilities, even suggesting support for Israel if it chooses to take military action. He pointed to the weakened state of Iran’s proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas, as an opportunity to act.
The re-imposition of sanctions marks a significant shift in policy, reversing the sanctions relief granted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), from which Trump withdrew in 2018. The new executive order also includes measures unrelated to Iran, such as withdrawing the U.S. from the UN Human Rights Council and cutting funding for UNRWA.
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