Trump revives his maximum pressure campaign against Iran through a National Security Presidential Memorandum, which aims to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities and regional influence. The policy mandates sanctions on violations and requires reviews of existing waivers. Iran’s Foreign Minister condemned the move as counterproductive, and the approach revives the contentious tactics from 2018, following the U.S. exit from the JCPOA.
US President Donald Trump has reinstated the maximum economic pressure strategy against Iran by signing a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM). This move signals a return to a hardline policy aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its regional activities. The NSPM directs the Treasury Secretary to impose stringent sanctions on any breaches of the existing sanctions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the revival of this policy, stating that it has already failed and will lead to further defeats. The NSPM outlines main objectives, including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and dismantling terrorist networks. Trump emphasized that global tolerance for Iran’s disruptive actions is over.
The memorandum instructs the State Department to reevaluate sanctions waivers and collaborate with the Treasury to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero, alongside efforts to enforce international sanctions through a snapback mechanism. Additionally, the Attorney General is tasked with investigating and prosecuting any Iranian-supported networks operating within the United States.
This action marks a reversion to Trump’s previous maximum pressure approach initiated in 2018 when he withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The snapback mechanism theoretically enables remaining members to reinstate UN sanctions if Iran significantly violates the agreement, although it cannot be activated by the U.S. post-withdrawal, prompting concerns among allies.
The maximum pressure campaign against Iran was originally formulated to counter Tehran’s nuclear weapon development and regional destabilization efforts. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, sanctions were tightened dramatically, aimed at crippling Iran’s oil exports and its economy. The NSPM indicates an escalation in this strategy, leveraging both diplomatic pressure and legal actions against Iranian operations in the U.S. Historically, this campaign had faced criticism for its effectiveness, as it largely depended on international cooperation which has been inconsistent. With key international allies potentially poised to reactivate sanctions, the geopolitical landscape around Iran remains tense. Trump’s memorandum is a clear assertion that the U.S. will pursue a more aggressive stance in safeguarding its interests in the region.
Trump’s decision to restore the maximum pressure campaign against Iran aims to reinforce U.S. commitments to curtail Iran’s nuclear development and destabilizing actions in the region. The NSPM reflects a multi-faceted approach including sanctions, international cooperation, and legal interventions. However, critics are quick to highlight the historical failures of such strategies, raising questions about their potential effectiveness moving forward.
Original Source: www.worldecr.com
