On February 4, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to restore the maximum pressure policy against Iran. The goal of this strategy is to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and reduce Iranian oil exports to zero.

During the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump stressed that Iran should not have nuclear weapons, expressing hope that a deal could be reached with Tehran. He also noted that the United States has the authority to prevent Iranian oil from being sold on the international market.

The order directs Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to increase economic pressure on Iran, including sanctions and enforcement mechanisms against those who violate existing restrictions. In addition, the administration intends to achieve a complete halt to Iranian oil exports.

Trump has previously criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for not enforcing sanctions on Iran, which he said allowed Tehran to fund nuclear weapons programs and support militant groups in the Middle East.

In response to the US actions, Iran has significantly accelerated the enrichment of uranium to 60% purity, which brings it closer to the level needed to create nuclear weapons. However, Iranian authorities continue to deny any intention to develop nuclear weapons.

The Trump administration's new strategy also includes efforts to restore international sanctions against Iran that were lifted under the 2015 deal. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations has been directed to work with allies to complete the process of restoring sanctions and restrictions on Tehran.

The international community's reaction to these moves has been mixed. The United States' European allies have expressed a willingness to consider restoring sanctions if necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. At the same time, China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, does not recognize the American sanctions and continues to cooperate with Tehran using trade schemes that bypass dollar settlements and U.S. control.

Further developments in the situation will depend on Iran's response to increased pressure from the United States and the ability of the international community to develop a coordinated approach to Iran's nuclear program.