PowerNetizen.com -, During his first term, President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, though marked by strong rhetoric, was less aggressive than it seemed. His “maximum pressure” campaign largely resembled former President Barack Obama’s sanctions strategy, which had previously brought Iran to the negotiating table and led to the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal.
Despite calling the JCPOA the “worst deal ever,” Trump did not necessarily aim for regime change in Iran. Instead, he sought to negotiate a new agreement that he could tout as superior to Obama’s. When Iran engaged in provocative actions—such as seizing oil tankers, mining the Persian Gulf, shooting down a U.S. drone, and targeting Saudi oil facilities—Trump, with bipartisan support, refrained from military retaliation.
While sanctions on Iran remain, the Biden administration has generally allowed Iran’s oil sales to continue, influenced by domestic concerns over high energy prices and their impact on Biden’s approval rating.
It remains uncertain how Trump might balance his interests if he pursued stricter sanctions enforcement. Would he prioritize securing a “better deal” or ensuring Americans have access to affordable oil and gas? Only Trump can answer these questions, and even he may be uncertain.
Editor : Budi Gunawan
