The New Arab Voice
Iran to the Max(imum Pressure): Trump sanctions on a weakened Iranian regime
Mar 6, 2025
In a riveting discussion, Alex Vatanka, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and author of "The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran," delves into the impact of Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign on Iran. He highlights the regime's economic struggles due to crippling sanctions and the growing disconnect between the government and its citizens. Vatanka also explores the fragile legitimacy of Iran's leadership amidst domestic unrest and the intricate geopolitical dynamics in U.S.-Iran relations, including the ongoing trade of Iranian oil and potential strategies for negotiation.
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Quick takeaways
- The reinstatement of Trump's maximum pressure campaign has severely impacted Iran's economy, leading to soaring inflation and public discontent.
- Iran has developed methods to circumvent sanctions by increasing oil sales to China, yet faces rising internal unrest due to its governance failures.
Deep dives
President Trump's Maximum Pressure Campaign
The maximum pressure campaign against Iran is designed to cripple its economy through extensive sanctions. President Trump reinstated this policy after withdrawing from the Obama-era nuclear deal, targeting over 80% of the Iranian economy, significantly affecting its oil exports and financial institutions. The sanctions have led to dramatic economic repercussions, including inflation rates soaring from 9.5% in 2016 to 41% by March 2019, showcasing the profound impact on the Iranian public's living conditions. The campaign aimed not only at economic destabilization but also sought to coerce Iran back to the negotiating table for potential diplomatic engagements.
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