TOP STORIES
Trump Reimposes 'Maximum Pressure' On Iran, Aims To Drive Oil Exports To Zero | Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday restored his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran that includes efforts to drive its oil exports down to zero in order to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. […] Trump's memo, among other things, orders the U.S. Treasury secretary to impose "maximum economic pressure" on Iran, including sanctions and enforcement mechanisms on those violating existing sanctions. It also directs the Treasury and State Department to implement a campaign aimed at "driving Iran's oil exports to zero." U.S. oil prices pared losses on Tuesday on the news that Trump planned to sign the memo, which offset some weakness from the tariff drama between Washington and Beijing. Tehran's oil exports brought in $53 billion in 2023 and $54 billion a year earlier, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates. Output during 2024 was running at its highest level since 2018, based on OPEC data. Trump had driven Iran's oil exports to near-zero during part of his first term after re-imposing sanctions. They rose under Biden's tenure as Iran succeeded in evading sanctions.
Trump Signs Memo Aiming To Block Iran From Achieving Nuclear Weapon | Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a presidential memorandum reimposing a tough policy on Iran meant to block the country from achieving a nuclear weapon and to limit its oil exports. Speaking at the Oval Office in the White House, Trump said Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and that the U.S. has the right to block the sale of Iranian oil to other nations.
Syria’s New Leader Denounces Iran, Calling Its Proxies A Regional Threat | NPR
Syria’s interim president and Iranian militias that previously operated in the country were not only harmful to it, but also a threat to the wider region. The president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, led the rebel group that seized control of Syria in December, ousting dictator Bashar al-Assad and the Iranian forces that supported him. In a wide-ranging interview on Syrian television, Sharaa said Iranian forces were used to “fuel instability” in Syria and other neighboring states. “The presence of Iranian militias under the previous [Syrian] regime posed a strategic threat to the entire region,” said Sharaa. Iran’s once strong presence in Syria has almost entirely vanished. Iranian forces fled as Assad was overthrown in December and the country’s embassy in Damascus remains shuttered.
UANI IN THE NEWS
‘Trump 2.0’ Dominates The Talk At Annual Greek-Norwegian Ship Forum | TradeWinds
What do Bob Dylan and US President Donald Trump have in common? Not a lot, it would appear, but leave it to sanctions expert George Tsimis to make a connection on Tuesday at the 31st annual Hellenic-American and Norwegian-American Chambers of Commerce Shipping Conference. […] Panellists said not all the action would be coming from Ofac, as a hyper-aggressive Department of Justice is likely to become a reality of the new Trump term. “Ofac does not keep me up at night,” said Tannebaum, who tracks trading activity in the illicit fleet. “What does is the Department of Justice and civil action suits. If you think a subpoena from Ofac is bad, wait till you get one from the FBI.” This was echoed by fellow panellist Claire Jungman of United Against Nuclear Iran. “I agree completely with David, and under Trump 2.0 we’re going to see a dramatic escalation in these actions,” she said.
Trump Reinstates ‘Maximum Pressure’ Campaign On Iran | Breitbart
[…] Asked what kind of deal he is seeking from Iran, he replied with the long-held U.S. stance that Iran will be prevented from securing nuclear weapons. “We don’t want to be tough on Iran — we don’t want to be tough on anybody — but they just can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said. Despite the criticism of his maximum pressure campaign from his first administration, there are supporters among his Republican Party and anti-Tehran regime activists. “The president is telegraphing to Tehran that while it has been trying to lure him into immediate negotiations, the president is rightfully starting to build out a pressure architecture that will leave a line open for coercive diplomacy,” Jason Brodsky, policy director at the non government United Against Nuclear Iran policy organization, said on X. “This will come as a cold shower for the Islamic Republic’s foreign minister and others who have been clinging to the false hope that the president is not the same president of his first term on Iran policy.”
President Donald Trump has restored his "maximum pressure" sanctions campaign on Iran in a bid to eliminate the country’s illicit oil exports. An executive order, which Trump signed on Tuesday afternoon, will reverse the Biden administration’s perennial lax sanctions enforcement that brought Tehran more than $140 billion in profits… Under the Biden administration, however, Iran raked in more than $140 billion from its illicit oil sales, primarily to China, according to figures compiled by the advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran. "China has proven the savior of Tehran by continuing to import millions of barrels of oil every single day, and imports have likely even exceeded those made when the trade was not subject to U.S. sanctions," the organization reported in late December, just before Trump took office.
NUCLEAR DEAL & NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Trump Says He Would Love To Make A Deal With Iran | Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would love to make a deal with Iran to improve bilateral relations, but added that Tehran should not develop a nuclear weapon. "I say this to Iran, who's listening very intently, 'I would love to be able to make a great deal. A deal where you can get on with your lives,'" Trump told reporters in Washington. "They cannot have one thing. They cannot have a nuclear weapon and if I think that they will have a nuclear weapon ... I think that's going to be very unfortunate for them," He said.
Donald Trump Revives 'Tough' Approach To Iran, Warns Against Nuclear Weapon | USA Today
President Donald Trump is touting "tough" new measures to confront Iran as he seeks to deter the country from getting a nuclear weapon, but said he hopes not to use them. Trump signed a presidential memorandum Tuesday authorizing more aggressive measures toward Iran. He also threatened "total obliteration" of the country if there is another attempt on his life by Tehran. "They can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump said, adding: "We'd be very tough if they insist on doing that." Trump aide Will Scharf said during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office that the memorandum "seeks to impose maximum pressure" on Iran with measures similar to Trump's approach during his first administration.
SANCTIONS, BUSINESS RISKS, & OTHER ECONOMIC NEWS
Fuel Oil Rally Expected To Stall As Market Shakes Off US-Iran Policy | Reuters
Fuel oil margins climbed after U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed a tougher policy on Iran, though trade sources expect a short-lived rally amid unclear supply disruption, while softer China demand and broader tariff concerns weighed on sentiment. The market, particularly for high-sulphur fuel, has undergone volatile movements this year so far, as trade participants considered mixed drivers and eyed supply uncertainties. The recent strength in traded margin or crack spread was more of a knee-jerk reaction, a fuel oil trader said, adding that Chinese demand remained a bearish factor. Singapore's 380-cst high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO)/Brent crack for March reached a discount of about 70 cents a barrel in Wednesday morning trade, according to market sources.
Oil Holds Drop As Trade War Concerns Vie With Pressure On Iran | Bloomberg
Oil steadied after a decline as concerns that a trade war between the US and China will hurt global growth were offset by President Donald Trump ramping up economic pressure on Iran. West Texas Intermediate traded below $73 a barrel after a rocky start to the week that saw markets whipsawed by announcements of tariffs and then delays to levies on Mexico and Canada. Brent crude closed above $76. Meanwhile, Trump signed a directive on Tuesday asking Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to use sanctions and tougher enforcement of existing measures to increase the pressure on Tehran. Beijing on Tuesday issued a swift but restrained retaliation to Trump’s levies.
Tanker Stocks Surge On Trump’s Pledge To Tighten Curbs On Iran | Bloomberg
Shipping stocks received a lift as US President Donald Trump’s plans to squeeze Iran raised the specter of tighter tanker supply, further boosting a market that’s been squeezed by sanctions against Russia. Among gainers, US-listed Teekay Tankers Ltd. surged more than 6% on Tuesday before ending 4.9% higher, while Scorpio Tankers Inc. was up about 4%. Frontline Plc, which is listed in the US and Europe, also rallied, and in Asia, Tokyo-listed Mistui OSK Lines Ltd. rose on Wednesday. The global tanker market is in focus after the outgoing Biden administration unleashed an aggressive package of sanctions against Russian energy, especially the tankers that ferry Moscow’s crude to overseas markets. Then on Tuesday, Trump delivered on pre-election promises to crack down on Iran’s oil trade, potentially tightening vessel supply.
TERRORISM & EXTREMISM
The FBI on Tuesday released “seeking information posters” for two Iranian intelligence officers who they believe were involved in the disappearance of former FBI agent Robert Levinson. The US has previously identified and sanctioned Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai in the disappearance and presumed death of Levinson, and Tuesday’s announcement reflects a renewed determination by US authorities to resolve the case. The US government has said Levinson was abducted in Iran in March 2007. In its release on Tuesday, the FBI said Baseri and Khazai acted in their roles as officials in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security during “Bob’s abduction, detention, and probable death.” The bureau reiterated its standing reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to Levinson’s “location, recovery, and return.”
U.S.-IRAN RELATIONS & NEGOTIATIONS
Trump’s Not-So-New Iran Policy | POLITICO
Maximum pressure is back on the menu. President DONALD TRUMP signed a new executive order escalating economic and political pressure on Iran today to revive his so-called “maximum pressure” strategy on Washington’s longtime regional foe, previewing what is expected to be a mainstay of his administration’s Middle East policy. “It’s very tough on Iran,” he said while signing the document. “Hopefully we are not going to have to use it very much.” The executive order is a first step in the administration’s goal to bring Iran’s oil exports down to zero and bulk up the Treasury Department’s sanctions on Iran in a bid to cut off Tehran’s most valuable source of cash that it uses to fund its proxy militant groups.
Iranian FM Dismisses Trump's Renewed Maximum Pressure As 'Failed Experiment' | Iran International
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s renewed maximum pressure campaign as a "failed experiment," following his decision to intensify sanctions to cut Tehran's oil exports to zero. "Maximum pressure is a failed experiment, and trying it again will only lead to another failure," Araghchi told Iranian media on Wednesday responding to Trump’s latest move. On Tuesday, the US President exerted pressure on Tehran with a presidential memorandum aimed at denying Iran nuclear weapons, limiting its ballistic missile program, and halting its support for terrorism. "Iran’s behavior threatens the national interest of the United States.
Iran’s government seems to be welcoming some recent decisions by the United States — even though they happen to come from a man Iranian operatives have allegedly been plotting to assassinate. President Donald Trump’s moves to freeze spending on foreign aid and overhaul, maybe even end, the U.S. Agency for International Development have been lauded in Iranian state media. The reports say the decisions will halt funding for opponents of the country’s Shiite theocracy — pro-democracy activists and others supported through programs as part of U.S. government’s efforts to help democracy worldwide. At the same time, Iranian officials appear to be signaling that they are waiting for a message from Trump on whether he wants to negotiate over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.
MILITARY/INTELLIGENCE MATTERS & PROXY WARS
Trump Says He Left Instructions To ‘Obliterate’ Iran If It Assassinates Him | The New York Times
President Trump said on Tuesday that he had “left instructions” for Iran to be “obliterated” if its assassins killed him, on the day that he signed an executive order restoring his “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran. Mr. Trump’s comments came in response to a reporter’s question, but the issue was more than hypothetical: Just after Mr. Trump was elected, the Justice Department indicted several men who it said had been heard plotting to kill Mr. Trump in September. One of the plotters said that he was assigned in September to carry out the plan by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Iran’s elite military unit, prosecutors said in court papers. “If they did that, they would be obliterated,’’ Mr. Trump said on Tuesday. “That would be the end. I’ve left instructions. If they do it, they get obliterated. There won’t be anything left.”
ECONOMIC WARFARE
Trump To Direct Officials To Ramp Up Economic Pressure On Iran | Bloomberg
President Donald Trump will issue a directive that aims to ramp up economic pressure on Iran, according to a person familiar, following through on pledges to reverse what he has cast as a lax sanctions enforcement regime under his White House predecessor. Trump will sign the move on Tuesday, according to the person familiar who discussed the plans on condition of anonymity. The White House is seeking to cut off Iran’s oil exports, though it’s unclear how exactly the US aims to achieve that goal or if it is possible. The action also reaffirms the administration’s plans to cut off any path Tehran may have to obtaining nuclear weapons. The directive will ask Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to use sanctions and tougher enforcement of existing measures to increase the pressure on Tehran. Reuters first reported Trump’s plans to sign the order Tuesday.
Iranian President Warns About Dire Economic Situation | Iran International
Iran's president and parliament speaker once again acknowledged that the country is facing a severe economic crisis, with people under "immense" inflationary pressure, with no relief from sanctions in sight. Speaking at a February 3 meeting of top state officials, led by the heads of the three branches of government, President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government is three months behind on some employee payments, while security forces arrest those who protest the delays in the streets. "We owe them the money, and it is our responsibility to pay them," Pezeshkian said, adding that the government has to solve the people's problems. He further urged everyone at the meeting "to avoid angering the people."
IRANIAN INTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS
Khamenei Names Hezbollah Leader Qassem As Iran’s ‘Representative’ In Lebanon | The Times Of Israel
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has named Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem as his “representative” in Lebanon, Iranian media reports. “The leader of the revolution in a decree introduced Sheikh Naim Qassem, secretary general of Hezbollah, as his representative in Lebanon,” Tasnim news agency says. Tasnim carried a copy of the official decree which said Qassem will represent Khamenei in handling “non-litigious matters” and “managing religious affairs” in Lebanon. The news agency notes that Qassem’s predecessor Hassan Nasrallah — who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on south Beirut in September 27 — had held the same title. Khamenei, who has the final say in all matters of state in Iran, has representatives in all of Iran’s provinces with a mandate to collect religious funds and perform other duties.
CONGRESS & IRAN
'There’s an opportunity to hit the Iran nuclear program in a fashion I haven’t seen in decades.' U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz wants America’s official line on a nuclear-powered Iran to be unequivocal. “All options” should be on the table to counter that threat, the Parkland Democrat said. He’s now put that dictate into legislation with Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler. “Allowing Iran to maintain and build a nuclear program is an existential threat to the United States, and global stability. As the Iranian regime continues its dangerous attempts at nuclear expansion, leaders have to call this out for what it is: an unacceptable escalation in the Middle East and a national security threat against the United States and our allies,” said Moskowitz, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Intelligence.
RUSSIA, SYRIA, ISRAEL, HEZBOLLAH, LEBANON & IRAN
Iran Displays Russian-Made Defence Systems In Military Exercise | Reuters
Iran used Russian-made long-range air defence systems in a military exercise on Wednesday, following Israeli strikes last October which Israel said had seriously weakened Tehran's defensive capabilities. The exercise took place one day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss regional topics including Iran's nuclear programme. Both leaders said Iran could not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, with Trump announcing earlier the resumption of his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran to drive its oil exports down to zero in order to stop it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. On Oct. 26, Israeli war planes hit missile factories and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran, the Israeli military had said.
OTHER FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Swedish Government Says Stockholm Mosque Used By Iran For Spying | Reuters
Sweden's government on Monday accused a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Stockholm of being a platform for Iranian spying against Sweden and the Iranian diaspora. Sweden's Minister for Social Affairs said on X that the Swedish Security Service assessed that the Imam Ali Islamic Center in Stockholm was used by Iran as a platform to spy and conduct activities threatening security. "This is extremely serious," Jakob Forssmed said, and added that Sweden had stopped all state monetary aid to the centre. He added, without elaborating, that "an additional process" was under way. "State funds should not be used for activities that conflict with fundamental democratic values," he said.
MISCELLANEOUS
Trump Admin Temporarily Extends Funding For Iran Internet Freedom Projects | Iran International
The Trump administration has granted permission to several State Department-funded projects focused on internet freedom in Iran to operate for another 30 days, as the president signed a memorandum restoring his so-called maximum pressure policy on Tehran. The continuation of long-term support for these projects is expected to be reviewed during the 30-day period. Trump signed an executive order on January 20, his first day in office, suspending foreign development assistance for 90 days to allow for a review of its efficiency and alignment with his America First policy stance. The decision left Iranian human rights activists concerned about its impact on Iran-related programs, with some saying the order could help Tehran further restrict its people’s access to information.