Trump Administration Plans to Reinstate "Maximum Pressure" on Iran

The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to reintroduce its controversial "maximum pressure" strategy against Iran, aiming to severely disrupt the nation’s economic stability and its ability to fund militant proxies and nuclear development. According to sources close to Trump's transition team, the new sanctions would primarily target Iran’s oil exports, which have been a critical revenue stream for the regime.

Iran's oil exports have surged to over 1.5 million barrels per day from a low of just 400,000 barrels in 2020, but experts warn that the proposed sanctions could drastically reduce this flow, putting the country in an even more vulnerable economic position than during Trump’s first term. Bob McNally, a former US presidential adviser, speculated that cutting Iran’s oil exports could push the country into a dire economic crisis.

The strategy aims to push Iran back to the negotiating table for a new, comprehensive nuclear deal. However, there is skepticism from experts and Iranian officials alike, who warn that Tehran is unlikely to capitulate to what are expected to be harsh US terms. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that Tehran is open to talks—but only under fair and respectful conditions, not under coercion.

The re-imposition of sanctions would also target Chinese entities involved in purchasing Iranian oil, as Trump advisers, including Mike Waltz, work to tighten economic pressure on Tehran.

The deteriorating relationship between the US and Iran could further escalate security risks, especially in the wake of the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, which led to ongoing threats against Trump and former US officials.

As the Trump administration prepares to implement this strategy, Iran has categorically denied reports suggesting that there have been secret meetings with Elon Musk, a key Trump ally, in an effort to ease tensions.