Iran Downplays Impact of U.S. Election as Trump’s Win Signals Possible Return to “Maximum Pressure” Sanctions

Following Donald Trump's projected victory in the U.S. presidential election, Iranian officials downplayed any potential impact on Iran's economy or daily life. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani assured the public that Iran’s policies are "steady" and independent of changes in American leadership.

"The U.S. elections are not really our business,” Mohajerani stated. “Our policies are steady and don't change based on individuals. We made the necessary predictions before, and there will be no change in people's livelihoods," she told local media.

However, as Trump’s administration is anticipated to bring back a “maximum pressure” policy, Arab and Western officials caution that heightened U.S. sanctions could target Iran's oil sector again, with possible backing for Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

While the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have not yet reacted to the election results, Deputy Chief Ali Fadavi warned of readiness against any aggression, adding, “The Zionists do not have the power to confront us, and they must wait for our response."

Since Trump’s first term, U.S. sanctions have crippled Iran’s economy, shrinking oil exports, cutting government revenue, and keeping inflation near 40%. The national currency, the rial, responded by dropping to a new low of 700,000 to the dollar, per Bonbast.com. To counteract sanctions, Iran has redirected much of its oil to Chinese independent refiners, also known as "teapots," providing them with discounted oil. This year, due to concerns about Israeli retaliation, Iran cut its October loadings, which led to a reduced discount on Iranian crude to Brent—the narrowest in five years.

Meanwhile, Iraq recently resumed crude oil shipments from Kurdistan to the central government after a long-standing dispute with Turkey. Following a ruling in Baghdad’s favor, Iraq’s federal government is now authorized to oversee these exports. This resolution could support Iraq's position as OPEC's second-largest oil producer, a role that contributes significantly to global oil supply.