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Trump reinstates “Maximum Pressure” campaign on Iran

Published

11 months ago

February 5, 2025

President Trump Signs Tough Executive Order Targeting Iran’s Oil Exports as Bipartisan Lawmakers Push for Stronger Measures

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reinstating a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, a move that coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s high-profile visit to the White House.

The order, announced Tuesday, directs the U.S. Treasury Department to impose strict economic sanctions aimed at crippling Iran’s vital oil exports, a key source of revenue for the regime.

Trump admitted he was “torn” about the decision, describing the executive order as “very tough on Iran,” but emphasized it’s designed to deter further escalation in the region.

“Hopefully, we’re not going to have to use it very much,” he told reporters, signaling that while the measures are severe, diplomacy remains an option.

The renewed sanctions come as bipartisan lawmakers in Congress push for even stronger actions.

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) introduced a resolution affirming that all options—including military force—should remain on the table to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Josh Hasten, Middle East correspondent for JNS and co-host of the Jerusalem Minute podcast joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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U.S. keeps Greenland in focus as Rubio signals all options remain

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

Published

5 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

The United States is sharpening its focus on Greenland, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming that Washington is keeping every option on the table. His comments come ahead of a high-level diplomatic meeting with Danish leaders next week.

The visit is seen as a signal of President Donald Trump’s ongoing strategic interest in the Arctic territory, which holds growing geopolitical and security significance as global competition in the region intensifies.

While the administration has not outlined specific next steps, the message from Washington is clear that Greenland remains firmly on the US agenda.

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#Greenland #USPolitics #MarcoRubio #Arctic #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy #WorldNews #Ticker

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U.S. seizes Venezuelan oil tankers Marinera and Sophia amid legal turmoil

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

Published

5 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

In a dramatic escalation of its campaign against Venezuelan oil smuggling, the U.S. has seized two oil tankers linked to Caracas. The Russian-flagged Marinera — formerly known as the Bella-1 — was captured in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long chase by U.S. forces, who allege it was violating sanctions tied to Venezuelan and Iranian oil. This rare high-seas seizure has drawn international attention due to the change of flag and the involvement of Russian maritime interests.

Meanwhile, a second vessel, the Sophia, was taken in the Caribbean in a coordinated operation against alleged sanctioned shipments. U.S. authorities describe these moves as part of a broader effort to clamp down on illicit oil flows and enforce sanctions by interdicting vessels before they can deliver crude to sanctioned buyers. The Sophia was reportedly operating with its tracking systems off, a tactic used in “dark fleet” smuggling operations.
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While the White House defends the operations as necessary to uphold sanctions and curb illicit oil trafficking, legal experts and foreign governments — especially Russia — are questioning the legality of boarding and seizing foreign-flagged ships in international waters. The debate over maritime law and sanctions enforcement is heating up as the U.S. signals it will continue to aggressively target Venezuela’s oil network.

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#VenezuelaOil #USSeizure #Marinera #OilSmuggling #InternationalLaw #TrumpAdministration #GlobalPolitics

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Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

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#Venezuela #MariaCorinaMachado #VenezuelaPolitics #FreeElections #Democracy #LatinAmerica #PoliticalPrisoners #TickerNews