AiBotUS President Donald Trump’s first term in office was marked by a focus on containing Iran, with promises to reimpose sanctions on the country and work towards enforcing a sanctions regime to bring Iran “to its knees.” However, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the dynamic changed with the start of Trump’s second term.
During an interview, Netanyahu highlighted key changes in the US’s policy towards Iran, reflecting the shift in strategy from Trump’s first term. When asked what had changed from the first term to the second, Netanyahu responded, “Well, think in the first term, he believed, as did I, that we could enforce sanctions, a sanctions regime, which he did, and basically bring Iran to its knees, which is a phrase he used.”
Netanyahu’s assertion emphasizes the changing attitude towards Iran with President Trump. In the first term, Trump maintained his pledge to reimpose sanctions imposed by the US on Iran, as stated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015. By enforcing these sanctions, the US aimed to prevent Iran from gaining significant military and economic gains from lifting restrictions.
It appears the strategy had an impact during the first term, considering Iran faced severe financial difficulties. Iran’s economy has been under strain since 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions. This move led to decreased international oil sales and severe difficulties in accessing much-needed foreign revenue.
Trump’s change in policy in his second term shifted further towards military action. The increased focus on military options, particularly under the influence of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, indicated a move from economic pressure to direct intervention. This was evident when the US assassinated Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, in November 2020, marking a turning point in their strained relations.
The second term’s shift reflects the change in strategy that has been taking shape for several years. Trump’s presidency witnessed heightened tensions between the US and Iran, which ultimately led to military action and an increased focus on military engagement in the Middle East. This shift reflects the changing US-Iran relations following Iran’s nuclear accord and reflects increased tensions and military engagements in the region.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insights shed light on the changing dynamic between the US, Israel, and Iran. Trump’s presidency witnessed heightened tensions and an increased military focus in the region, setting the stage for ongoing confrontations with a key Middle Eastern adversary.