by Cho Seulkina
Published 12 Dec.2024 08:03(KST)
Mike Waltz, a member of the House of Representatives nominated as the White House National Security Advisor for the next U.S. administration under Donald Trump, predicted a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Iran after January next year, signaling a return to the 'maximum pressure' stance.
In an interview with Fox News on the 11th (local time), Rep. Waltz said, "You will see a huge shift in Iran," adding, "We need to suppress their cash flow. We need to suppress their oil." He emphasized, "We will return to the priorities and maximum pressure policy that were effective during Trump's first term."
This message is echoed not only by Rep. Waltz but also by other Trump second-term cabinet nominees. They have openly criticized the Democratic Biden administration for loosening sanctions on Iran. During Trump's first term, Iran's crude oil exports plummeted to as low as 400,000 barrels per day, but under the Biden administration, exports have recovered. Accordingly, it is expected that President-elect Trump will intensify pressure strategies by blocking Iran's oil exports and adding new sanctions immediately after taking office.
Earlier, major foreign media reported that such measures would be included in the executive orders announced by President-elect Trump on his first day in office. During his first term, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) negotiated by the previous Barack Obama administration, strengthened sanctions, and pressured Iran.
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