Trump reinstates “Maximum Pressure” campaign on Iran

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.