International Relations Researches

International Relations Researches

Unpacking the Maximum Pressure: Donald Trump’s Strategy toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2017–2021

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
nasir jinoor 1
amir hooshang mirkoosh 2
Ehsan Razani 2
1 PhD student in International Relations, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran.
10.22034/irr.2025.539170.2744
Abstract
This article adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the foreign policy of the Trump administration toward the Islamic Republic of Iran during its first term. The main research question addresses how the administration’s policy was designed and implemented, which strategic and geopolitical objectives it pursued, and what consequences it produced at domestic, regional, and international levels. Findings indicate that Trump’s policy was based on the "rollback" strategy and the "maximum pressure" campaign, with the 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) marking a pivotal moment. The main instruments included broad economic sanctions, diplomatic and legal pressures, information and psychological operations, and the mobilization of U.S. regional allies in West Asia. Despite intense pressures, the United States failed to build a comprehensive international consensus against Iran, facing resistance from major powers such as Russia and China, as well as cautious stances from some European allies. Ultimately, while these policies increased economic and political pressure on Iran, they did not achieve decisive success in altering Iranian behavior, reducing its regional influence, or inducing internal political changes. Nevertheless, the legacy of Trump’s policy continues to shape Tehran–Washington relations and regional security dynamics in West Asia.
Keywords
Donald Trump
maximum pressure policy
pushback strategy
Islamic Republic of Iran
JCPOA
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