Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores Maximum Pressure on Iran
February 4, 2025
Action Summary
- Policy Overview: Restoration of the maximum pressure strategy on Iran to deny its nuclear ambitions and counter its global malign influence.
- Key Objectives:
- Prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Counter Iranian missile development and the growth of its asymmetric and conventional weapon capabilities.
- Neutralize Iran’s designated terrorist network.
- Economic Sanctions:
- Directs the Treasury Secretary to impose maximum economic pressure on Iran, including new or reinforced sanctions.
- Issues guidance to business sectors (shipping, insurance, port operations) regarding compliance risks.
- Oil Export Measures:
- Secretary of State to modify or rescind existing sanction waivers.
- Cooperate with the Treasury to drive Iranian oil exports to zero.
- Coordinate with the U.S. Permanent Representative at the UN to snap back international sanctions.
- Homeland Security and Legal Actions:
- Attorney General to investigate and prosecute financial and logistical networks linked to Iran or its proxies.
- Pursue legal action against Iranian-funded terrorist groups that have harmed American citizens.
- Historical Commitment: Reaffirms President Trump’s 2020 vow to never allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon and to confront its longstanding destabilizing behavior.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order’s emphasis on imposing maximum economic pressure on Iran could lead to increased geopolitical tensions, which may affect international collaborations and partnerships that Vanderbilt University might have, particularly in regions sensitive to U.S.-Iran relations.
- There is a risk that heightened sanctions and enforcement mechanisms could impact global markets, including sectors such as shipping and insurance, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s investments or endowments that are tied to these industries.
- The focus on countering Iran’s influence and neutralizing its terrorist networks may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory requirements for international students and faculty from regions associated with Iran, impacting Vanderbilt’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of these policies on its research programs, particularly those related to international relations, political science, and Middle Eastern studies, as they may face increased challenges in conducting fieldwork or collaborations in affected regions.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Relations and Political Science Departments may need to adjust their curricula and research focus to address the changing geopolitical landscape and the implications of U.S. foreign policy towards Iran.
- The Office of International Student and Scholar Services might need to enhance its support and guidance for students and scholars from regions affected by the Executive Order, ensuring compliance with new regulations and addressing any concerns related to their status.
- Vanderbilt’s Investment Office may need to reassess its portfolio to mitigate risks associated with sectors impacted by the sanctions, such as shipping and insurance, to protect the university’s financial interests.
- The Center for Middle Eastern Studies could see increased demand for expertise and analysis on the implications of U.S.-Iran relations, presenting opportunities for research and public engagement.
Financial Impact
- The re-imposition of sanctions on Iran could lead to volatility in global oil markets, potentially affecting energy costs and operational expenses for Vanderbilt University.
- Vanderbilt may experience changes in funding opportunities, particularly if federal grants prioritize research related to national security and foreign policy, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on international security, terrorism, and Middle Eastern studies, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and think tanks.
- As geopolitical tensions rise, there could be a shift in the demographics of international students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international collaborations and financial strategies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in U.S. sanctions policy and guidance issued by the Treasury Secretary. Understanding these changes will be crucial for ensuring compliance and identifying any potential impacts on international collaborations or partnerships.
- The Department of Political Science could conduct research on the geopolitical implications of the U.S. maximum pressure campaign on Iran. This research can provide valuable insights into international relations and security studies, enhancing Vanderbilt’s academic contributions in these fields.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School should explore the legal ramifications of the Attorney General’s directives to prosecute Iranian-sponsored networks within the U.S. This could involve offering expertise or commentary on the legal processes and implications for international law.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies to engage in policy analysis and discussions on the effectiveness and consequences of economic sanctions as a tool of foreign policy. This could position the center as a thought leader in international policy debates.
- By hosting forums or conferences on the impact of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, Vanderbilt can enhance its reputation as a hub for international dialogue and policy innovation, attracting scholars, policymakers, and students interested in these critical issues.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with changes in U.S. foreign policy and sanctions.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A: No explicit deadlines or time durations for implementing directives were provided.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of the Treasury: The Secretary is directed to impose maximum economic pressure on Iran, enforce sanctions, and issue compliance guidance to sectors such as shipping, insurance, and port operations.
- Department of State: The Secretary is responsible for modifying or rescinding existing sanctions waivers and coordinating with the Treasury to reduce Iran’s oil exports.
- Department of Justice (DOJ): The Attorney General is tasked with investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting networks and operatives linked to Iranian-sponsored terrorism.
- U.S. Mission to the United Nations: The U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN is charged with working alongside allies to complete the snapback of international sanctions against Iran.
Relevance Score: 2 (A few key federal agencies are directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of the Treasury – Responsible for imposing maximum economic pressure on Iran, including enacting sanctions and issuing cross-sector guidance regarding sanctions violations.
- Secretary of State – Charged with modifying or rescinding existing sanctions waivers and coordinating with the Treasury to drive Iran’s oil exports to zero.
- United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations – Tasked with working with allies to implement the snapback of international sanctions on Iran.
- Attorney General – Required to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute financial and logistical networks operating in the U.S. that are linked to Iran or its terror proxies, and to take legal action against leaders of Iranian-funded terrorist groups.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials and other senior representatives responsible for critical national security, economic, and diplomatic actions.)