President-elect Donald Trump is set to revive his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, according to officials familiar with his plans. The renewed strategy aims to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support for militant groups in the region.

Trump’s approach is likely influenced by recent revelations of an Iranian plot to assassinate him. “People tend to take that stuff personally,” said Mick Mulroy, a former Pentagon official.

The new administration plans to quickly move to restrict Iran’s oil income by targeting foreign ports and traders handling Iranian oil. This echoes Trump’s first-term strategy, which had mixed results.

Brian Hook, who oversaw Iran policy during Trump’s first term, stated that the president-elect has “no interest” in regime change but intends to “isolate Iran diplomatically and weaken them economically.”

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Potential Challenges and Risks

The renewed pressure could face challenges, including the risk of rising oil prices and inflation. Robert McNally, a former U.S. energy official, suggested that even expectations of aggressive enforcement could significantly reduce Iranian oil sales.

Some experts believe Trump’s advisers may be more supportive of potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and energy facilities. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian downplayed the significance of the U.S. election results for his country.

Despite the hostility, some former Trump officials don’t rule out the possibility of a U.S.-Iran diplomatic deal in his second term, noting Trump’s penchant for dealmaking.

Read more at The Wall Street Journal