Trump Reimposes ‘Maximum Pressure’ Campaign on Iran

Denying Iran the ability to acquire a nuclear weapon and driving the country’s oil exports to zero are stated goals of the memorandum.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he signs an executive order to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 3, 2025. Jim Watson/AFP

President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Feb. 4 ratcheting up sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Tougher measures are meant to impose “maximum pressure” on the nation, according to Trump, and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He has consistently opposed the idea of allowing the country to develop nuclear capabilities for military purposes.