On February 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump revived the 'maximum pressure' strategy against Iran, aiming to eliminate the nation’s oil exports to thwart its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

He issued a presidential memorandum instructing the Treasury Secretary to implement strict economic sanctions and guarantee their enforcement.

Trump condemned former President Joe Biden for not firmly enforcing sanctions, asserting that this negligence permitted Iran to finance its nuclear weapons development.

Iran has refuted claims of seeking nuclear weapons, although the International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran is enriching uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels.

The memorandum also aims to reinstate international sanctions linked to the 2015 nuclear agreement, from which the U.S. exited in 2018. European countries have indicated they may initiate the reimposition of sanctions if Iran continues to progress in its nuclear efforts.