On February 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) aimed at restoring maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran. This memorandum is designed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and counter its influence abroad.
The NSPM outlines specific goals: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles, neutralizing its terrorist network, and countering its development of both asymmetric and conventional weaponry. The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to apply maximum economic pressure on Iran by sanctioning or enforcing mechanisms against those violating existing sanctions. Guidance will be issued for sectors such as shipping, insurance, and port operations regarding the risks associated with violating U.S. sanctions related to Iran or Iranian terror proxies.
Furthermore, the Secretary of State is tasked with modifying or rescinding existing sanctions waivers in collaboration with the Treasury Secretary to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero. The United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations will work alongside key allies to enforce international sanctions on Iran.
President Trump emphasized ending previous tolerance towards threats posed by Iran against American citizens and companies. The Attorney General is instructed to pursue legal actions against financial networks, operatives, or front groups in the U.S. linked to Iran or its proxies. Legal measures will target leaders and members of Iranian-funded terrorist organizations that have harmed Americans.
President Trump reaffirmed his stance against allowing Iran any nuclear capability: “As long as [he is] President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” He reiterated this commitment through today’s NSPM: “For far too long — all the way back to 1979, to be exact — nations have tolerated Iran’s destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond... We will never let that happen.”