WSJ: Trump freezes fresh Iran sanctions as nuclear talks intensify

The Trump Administration has issued an unexpected order to freeze all new sanctions activity targeting Iran, effectively stalling a central pillar of its foreign policy.

The directive, delivered last week by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, instructed top officials at the National Security Council (NSC), Treasury Department, and State Department to pause all new Iran-related sanctions. No explanation or end date was provided, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Wall Street Journal.

The move has caught many in Washington off guard. Typically, sanctions directives would originate from the NSC or the Treasury. However, with over 100 NSC staff reportedly placed on leave and its communications office disbanded, the press secretary’s office has stepped in to manage sensitive policy messaging.

Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly did not deny the pause when questioned, stating only: “Any new decisions with regard to sanctions will be announced by the White House or relevant agencies within the administration.”

Since the order, at least three scheduled Treasury sanctions designations targeting Iran have been blocked or delayed. The last public Iran-related sanctions were announced on 21 May.

Officials remain unclear on the scope of the freeze—whether it applies solely to new designations or extends to enforcement of existing sanctions. Major restrictions, such as the freezing of Iranian funds in Qatar and the ban on oil sales, appear intact for now, though further guidance has not been issued.

Some administration insiders suggest the decision may be a tactical pause, designed to give breathing room to sensitive nuclear talks. Others view it as a misstep, arguing that Iran has a long history of using negotiations to stall for time while continuing to advance its nuclear programme.

This concern is echoed by recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports, which found Tehran expanding its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and failing to fully cooperate with inspectors.

The sanctions pause comes at a time when U.S. pressure had begun to show results, particularly in curbing Iranian oil exports to China. Critics warn that easing the campaign now risks forfeiting hard-won leverage.

Trump, the architect of the “maximum pressure” doctrine, once wrote, “leverage is the biggest strength you can have.” With the current policy in flux and key departments in disarray, some are asking whether the Administration is undermining its own strategy, just when it might be needed most.

By Aghakazim Guliyev