US President-elect Donald Trump intends to economically “strangle” Iran, taking advantage of its current weakened position. According to Wall Street Journal sources familiar with Trump’s plans, the new strategy will aim to drastically tighten sanctions, cut off Tehran’s oil revenues and limit its influence in the Middle East.
According to the report, the measures will include the imposition of sanctions against ports and international companies that trade in Iranian oil. The measures are reminiscent of the “maximum pressure” policy that Trump used in his first term after withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the international agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.
Well-informed sources say that in this case, personal reasons may strengthen their determination. Trump and several former US national security officials have become potential targets for Iranian agents, only strengthening their resolve to act. “People tend to take these things personally,” said Mick Melroy, former Pentagon spokesman for the Middle East.
The Trump administration is seeking to isolate Iran using diplomatic and financial measures, one of the sources said. “Iran is clearly in a weak position now, and the time to take proactive measures seems more opportune than ever,” said a former White House official.
Sources have not yet revealed the exact details of the upcoming measures, but the new Trump administration appears to be preparing to take swift and decisive action to weaken Tehran’s economic power.
Previously, Kursor wrote that Iran issued new threats against Israel amid preparations for a missile attack.
