Tightening Sanctions on Iran: Trump's Directive Aims to Increase Economic Pressure
President Donald Trump has signed a directive targeting Iran with increased economic sanctions, fulfilling his pledge to intensify measures that he believes were lax under his predecessor. This directive empowers Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to utilize sanctions and strengthen enforcement of existing ones, escalating pressure on Tehran.
Trump's actions reinstate a more stringent approach towards Iran, mirroring his stance during his first term when he withdrew the US from a nuclear agreement and sought to economically isolate the country. During a Tuesday meeting in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized the assertive nature of the new measures but expressed hope that they would not need to be fully utilized.
"Hopefully, we're not going to have to use it very much," Trump stated, adding that he intended to "work out a deal with Iran." "Maybe that's possible. Maybe it's not possible," he added.
The White House aims to eliminate Iran's oil exports but has not specified how it intends to accomplish this objective. The directive also reaffirms the administration's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump asserted the US right to obstruct Iran's oil trade and warned that Tehran was nearing the development of nuclear capabilities. He criticized former President Joe Biden for allegedly allowing Iran to evade sanctions and regain nearly full capacity in oil exports.
During the past four years, relaxed enforcement and evasion tactics have enabled Iran to increase its oil exports by approximately 1 million barrels per day, with a significant portion going to China, according to data from Bloomberg's tanker tracking and estimates from commercial and governmental organizations.
Depriving Iran of oil revenue would further strain its economy, which is already under pressure. The country faces power shortages due to inadequate investments, a depreciating currency, and struggling industries, all of which could worsen if oil revenue is reduced.
During his presidency, Biden strengthened sanctions on Tehran for its support of proxy groups in the Middle East and its ties to Russia. He also expanded US sanctions on Iran's oil and gas sectors following a ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Trump expressed openness to negotiations with Iran after his hypothetical reelection in 2024, provided that Iran renounces nuclear ambitions. "We're not looking to do damage to Iran," Trump said, but added, "they can't have a nuclear weapon."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist, has prioritized sanctions relief and a rapprochement to stabilize the country's economy.
Trump also signed directives withdrawing the US from UN-led refugee and human rights initiatives and initiating a comprehensive review of funding to the international organization and its affiliated scientific, educational, and cultural branches.