Trump to intensify sanctions on Iran to address Middle East crisis – WSJ
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
President-elect Donald Trump is preparing a strategy to increase pressure on Iran, which includes a sharp escalation of sanctions and restrictions on oil sales, according to The Wall Street Journal.
According to sources familiar with his initial plans, Trump’s strategy is aimed at halting Iran’s support for Middle Eastern groups and curbing the country’s nuclear program.
Trump intends to restore "maximum pressure" on Iran, aiming to force it to abandon its nuclear ambitions and cease funding groups that the US considers terrorist organizations. This approach may also be driven by personal motivations, as Iran allegedly attempted to orchestrate attacks on Trump and his advisors after they left office.
Former Trump officials note that Iran’s leadership may seek revenge for the death of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike in 2020.
Experts say Trump is especially determined to limit Iran’s access to oil revenues. Plans include imposing sanctions on foreign ports and companies involved in handling Iranian oil. This approach resembles the strategy Trump used during his first term to isolate Iran from global energy markets.
Rumors of Iran's plans
On October 31, Axios, citing sources, reported that Iran is planning an attack on Israel from the territory of Iraq, potentially using pro-Iranian militants. The attack would reportedly involve a large number of ballistic missiles and drones.
