US Maximum Pressure: A Failed Strategy for Iran
The “Maximum Pressure” campaign initiated by the United States under former President Donald Trump was aimed at compelling Iran to renegotiate the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA) and address other contentious issues like missile development and regional influence. However, many analysts and critics argue that the strategy has failed for several reasons:
Key Aspects of the Campaign
- Sanctions Overload: The U.S. re-imposed and escalated sanctions after withdrawing from the JCPOA in 2018, targeting Iran’s oil exports, banking system, and other sectors.
- Diplomatic Isolation: The U.S. aimed to isolate Iran internationally, encouraging other countries to sever ties with Tehran.
Why It Failed
- No Policy Change in Iran: Despite crippling economic sanctions, Iran did not capitulate. Instead, Tehran increased its uranium enrichment activities, reducing compliance with the JCPOA.
- Iran’s Resilience