Iran Braces for 2025 and Potential Re-imposition of US “Maximum Pressure” Policy

Iran is preparing for what could be a pivotal year in its nuclear journey, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who spoke to reporters in Beijing on Saturday. Araqchi's remarks indicate that the country is gearing up for potential challenges related to the return of the "maximum pressure" policy initially imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In 2018, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had been negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama. The agreement had seen Iran agreeing to curb its uranium enrichment activities in exchange for the easing of U.S. and UN sanctions. However, Trump's decision to renege on the deal led to a sharp escalation of tensions, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions.

While Araqchi did not directly name Trump in his comments, he highlighted the importance of 2025 as a critical year. Iran’s primary concern appears to be the possibility of Trump using his influence to empower Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has frequently advocated for military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Additionally, tighter sanctions targeting Iran's vital oil sector could exacerbate the country's already fragile economy.

On the economic front, Iran’s currency, the rial, has continued its downward spiral. On Saturday, it reached an all-time low against the U.S. dollar, hitting 820,500 rials to the dollar on the unofficial market. The Iranian currency has depreciated by approximately 18% since Trump's election in November 2024, with inflation hovering around 35%. Many Iranians are now turning to hard currencies, gold, and cryptocurrencies to safeguard their savings.