Trump reinstates maximum pressure on Iran, warns of "obliteration" if targeted

US President Donald Trump signed an order on Tuesday, February 4, reinstating a tough stance on Iran in a bid to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Speaking to reporters, Trump reaffirmed the US right to block Iranian oil sales to any country, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He also stated that while he is open to discussions on a new nuclear deal, Iran must not attempt to retaliate against him.

“If they target me, Iran will be obliterated,” Trump warned.

Israeli strikes on Iran?

Trump’s decision follows a Foreign Affairs magazine report suggesting that he may authorize Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

This came after Fox News reported that Iran's Defense Innovation and Research Organization — responsible for nuclear development — operates under the cover of Tehran's space program facilities. However, no public confirmation of this claim has been made, and Iran has repeatedly denied such accusations.

Trump blames Biden for weak Iran policy

The move signals a return to Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy from his first term. Trump has blamed former President Joe Biden for weakening US resolve toward Iran, arguing that relaxed enforcement of oil-export sanctions allowed Tehran to sell oil, accumulate wealth, and advance its nuclear ambitions.

“Iran has been able to sell oil, make money, and expand its influence because Biden failed to enforce sanctions properly,” Trump said during his campaign.

Iranian oil exports surged to their highest levels in years in 2024, as Tehran reportedly found ways to bypass existing sanctions.

US to push Iran’s oil exports to zero

A US official confirmed that the new policy will focus on driving Iran’s oil exports to zero.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, Iran’s oil revenue reached $53 billion in 2023 and $54 billion in 2022. In 2024, output hit its highest levels since 2018, based on OPEC data.

As news of Trump’s announcement broke, global oil prices fluctuated.

The US ambassador to the United Nations has been tasked with rallying key allies to reinstate international sanctions on Iran.

European allies consider reimposing sanctions

Britain, France, and Germany had previously informed the United Nations Security Council that they are ready — if necessary — to trigger a “snap-back” of all international sanctions to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

However, their window to act closes on October 18, 2025, when a 2015 UN resolution tied to Iran’s nuclear deal expires.

Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the move, calling it “unlawful and counterproductive.”

Iran’s nuclear program accelerates

As diplomatic tensions rise, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi warned at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Iran has been “pressing the gas pedal” on uranium enrichment close to weapons grade.

Despite growing concerns, Iran continues to deny any ambition to develop a nuclear weapon.

By Tamilla Hasanova