President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against Iran, signing a presidential memorandum that authorizes more aggressive measures to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. While emphasizing the need to be tough on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution. The memorandum aims to exert maximum pressure on Iran, similar to Trump’s approach during his first term, by imposing sanctions and controls on Iranian activities related to nuclear programs and support for terrorist groups.

Criticism has been directed at the Biden administration for allegedly undermining previous deterrence measures and attempting to revive the Obama-era nuclear pact that Trump had abandoned. Despite not lifting the sanctions imposed by Trump, Biden’s administration faced scrutiny for extending waivers on funds for Iran, with Republicans accusing the administration of funding Tehran’s activities. The Biden administration also delisted an Iranian proxy group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization to aid humanitarian efforts in Yemen, sparking further debate.

Tensions escalated with Iran launching missile and drone attacks on Israel, leading to the imposition of additional sanctions by the Biden administration on Iranian entities involved in these attacks. The Justice Department also pursued criminal charges against individuals linked to Iran in a thwarted plot to assassinate Trump before the election. The developments underscore the ongoing struggle between the US and Iran, with diplomatic efforts intertwined with concerns over Iran’s nuclear aspirations and regional destabilization.