New US administration set to reimpose "maximum pressure" on Iran

The next four years could present the most significant challenge for the Islamic Republic of Iran since its establishment in 1979, with experts predicting that Tehran will once again face a “maximum pressure” campaign under the scrutiny of a new administration led by former President Donald Trump.

This approach, previously implemented during Trump's last presidency, significantly increased Iran’s international isolation and severely damaged its economy, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Trump, who has long touted his skills as a dealmaker, struggled to curb Iran's influence in the Middle East despite withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at limiting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, reinstating harsh sanctions, and ordering the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the military commander responsible for managing Iran’s proxy relationships in the region.

Following Trump’s departure from office in 2020, Iran accelerated its uranium enrichment, boosted oil exports, and further supported militant groups across the region. Tehran also made headlines by launching direct attacks on Israel on two occasions.

However, as Israel continues to target and degrade Iran’s regional proxies, Tehran finds itself grappling with mounting economic difficulties and widespread domestic unrest, which are weakening its deterrence capabilities.

“The Islamic Republic appears as fragile as the threats against it are formidable,” said Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project and senior adviser at the International Crisis Group. He noted that Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is facing a series of crises that are stretching his ability to manage the country’s affairs.

As the Middle East edges closer to the brink of a larger war, with Iran vowing to retaliate for an Israeli attack on its territory earlier this month, concerns are rising that Trump’s return to power could embolden Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities—something the Biden administration had previously cautioned against.

By Vafa Guliyeva