June 20, 2025: Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a series of aggressive policy proposals to counter Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East, signaling that a future Trump administration could adopt a far more hardline stance than the Biden White House.

As the U.S. presidential election heats up, Trump’s team has been quietly drafting contingency plans for reimposing “maximum pressure” on Tehran—including intensified sanctions, covert operations, and potential military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

What’s Driving Trump’s Iran Strategy?

Sources close to the Trump campaign suggest that the former president views Iran as one of the biggest threats to U.S. national security—not just in terms of its nuclear ambitions but also its support for proxy militias across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.

“The Biden administration has been weak on Iran. President Trump believes only strength can stop Iran’s aggression,” a senior Trump adviser told The Washington Post on condition of anonymity.

The policy pivot appears to be fueled by multiple geopolitical developments:

  • Iran’s Increased Uranium Enrichment: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently confirmed that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium has surpassed 25 times the JCPOA limit.
  • Attacks on U.S. Forces in Syria and Iraq: Iranian-backed militias have launched over a dozen attacks on American troops since early 2025, escalating concerns of a wider regional conflict.
  • Ties with Russia and China: Tehran has deepened military cooperation with both Moscow and Beijing, raising alarms in Washington over a new “Axis of Autocracy.”

Possible Moves Under Consideration

Trump allies and former administration officials have outlined a three-pronged plan that could shape a second Trump presidency:

1. Reinstating the “Maximum Pressure” Doctrine

This would involve reimposing the sweeping economic sanctions that crippled Iran’s economy between 2018 and 2020. Expect renewed pressure on:

  • Iran’s oil exports (a key revenue source)
  • Its central bank and financial system
  • Foreign companies doing business with Tehran

2. Cyber and Covert Actions

Trump’s inner circle is exploring expanded cyber operations against Iranian infrastructure, mirroring past efforts like the Stuxnet virus that sabotaged Iran’s Natanz facility in 2010.

3. Military Deterrence

Although Trump has often expressed reluctance toward new wars, his advisors are not ruling out targeted airstrikes on Iranian weapons depots, drone facilities, or Revolutionary Guard bases—if provoked.

Why This Matters to American Voters

1. National Security and Terrorism Concerns

Iran remains on the U.S. State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism. A Trump return could mean increased funding for counterterrorism efforts abroad—potentially leading to troop redeployments or defense spending hikes.

2. Impact on Gas Prices and Global Oil Markets

Any new conflict or sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports could disrupt global supply chains. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) warns that escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for 20% of global oil—could spike gas prices across the U.S.

According to the EIA’s latest report, “a disruption in Iranian crude exports could add $15–$30 per barrel to global oil prices.”

3. Implications for Israel and U.S. Allies

Israel has long urged stronger U.S. action against Iran, especially as Tehran continues to arm Hezbollah and Palestinian factions. A Trump-led policy could mean deeper alignment with Tel Aviv—but at the risk of wider conflict in the region.

Global Reactions So Far

Iran:

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called Trump’s potential return to office a “threat to regional peace,” warning that any American provocation would be met with “swift retaliation.”

Europe:

European leaders are wary of a renewed rift between the U.S. and its NATO allies. Many EU countries favor diplomacy to preserve what’s left of the nuclear deal and avoid a major regional war.

China and Russia:

Both Beijing and Moscow are likely to double down on arms deals and joint military drills with Iran, positioning themselves as a counterweight to U.S. hegemony in the region.

Final Thoughts: A High-Stakes 2025 Election Issue

As the 2025 presidential race intensifies, foreign policy—especially on Iran—is becoming a defining wedge issue between Trump and Biden. While Biden has prioritized diplomacy and containment, Trump’s message is clear: deterrence through strength.

Whether American voters are willing to embrace a more aggressive posture in the Middle East remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Iran will be a top-tier issue in 2025’s global security landscape.