**Trump Administration Plans Stricter Sanctions as Part of Renewed 'Maximum Pressure' Campaign Against Iran**

The upcoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up to reimplement its "maximum pressure" policy against Iran, with the intent of destabilizing Tehran's economy and crippling its nuclear and militant capabilities, according to sources cited by The Financial Times. This renewed strategy is expected to impose tougher sanctions, primarily targeting Iran's crucial oil sector.

The proposed sanctions aim to significantly cut Iran's oil exports, which have surged to over 1.5 million barrels per day, compared to just 400,000 barrels per day in 2020. Energy consultant and former presidential adviser Bob McNally pointed out that such a reduction would leave Iran in a much more precarious economic state than during Trump's previous tenure.

The Financial Times report indicates that the overarching goal of these measures is to compel Iran to return to the negotiating table to discuss a comprehensive nuclear deal. Trump's transition team stresses that crippling Iran's financial resources is essential for pressuring its leadership into dialogue. Despite this, experts remain doubtful, as they believe Tehran is unlikely to yield to stringent U.S. demands.

Iranian officials have firmly dismissed the possibility of resuming negotiations under pressure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently reiterated on social media that the first round of the "maximum pressure" policy had led to "maximum resistance" and ultimately a "maximum defeat" for the US. He warned that attempting the same strategy again would be futile and underscored Tehran's willingness to negotiate, but only under fair conditions.

The report also touches upon the potential security risks from deteriorating US-Iran relations, especially in light of ongoing threats against Trump and former US officials following the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Additionally, it mentions legislative initiatives by Trump's advisers, including efforts by Mike Waltz to introduce secondary sanctions on Chinese companies buying Iranian oil.