Denying Iran the ability to acquire a nuclear weapon and driving the country’s oil exports to zero are stated goals of the memorandum.
President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Feb. 4 ratcheting up sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Tougher measures are meant to impose “maximum pressure” on the nation, according to Trump, and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He has consistently opposed the idea of allowing the country to develop nuclear capabilities for military purposes.
“They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said while signing the memorandum in the Oval Office. “They have some of their leadership, I can tell you right now … many of the people at the top ranks of Iran that do not want to have a nuclear weapon.”
Denying Iran the ability to manufacture intercontinental ballistic missiles and other high-tech weaponry are prime objectives of the memo, which calls for the destruction of “Iran’s terrorist network.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is instructed to use economic pressure by imposing additional sanctions or adopting further enforcement mechanisms on existing sanctions.
One stated goal of the memorandum is to “implement a campaign aimed at driving Iran’s oil exports to zero.”
Department of Justice officials are directed to investigate state-sponsored terrorism, with the attorney general leading efforts to root out networks operating in the United States that are sponsored by Iran or a proxy. Prosecutions are ordered for instances where American citizens are or were harmed by Iranian-funded groups.
The president said a tough approach is needed to address the severity of the issue. He remained hopeful that subsequent negotiations would prove successful.
“I’d love to have a good relationship with everybody,” Trump said. “So, I’m signing this, and I’m unhappy to do it, but I really have not so much choice, because we have to be strong and firm.”
The move comes as the president was meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss Middle East policy and ongoing wars.
Trump suggested finding a path forward that excludes physical conflict would be mutually beneficial.
“I think Iran would like to see peace, too,” Trump said. “Don’t you think they’ve had enough?”