TABNAK, Feb 05: Speaking at the Oval Office in the White House, Trump claimed Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and that the U.S. has the right to block the sale of Iranian oil to other nations.
The executive order to reimpose the "maximum pressure" policy on Iran, aiming to curb its oil exports and restrict its influence in the Middle East.
"It’s very tough on Iran," Trump told reporters at the White House.
His remarks came whereas Iran has always stressed its nuclear work is entirely ‘transparent’ and it has given full access to inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Trump further claimed he is "torn" on signing the order but added, "Hopefully we are not going to have to use it very much."
The order directs the Treasury Department to impose "maximum economic pressure" on Iran through sanctions designed to restrict the country’s oil exports.
The signing comes shortly before he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump is also known for his hostile stance toward Iran, especially after his administration unilaterally withdrew from the landmark Iran nuclear deal in 2018. The deal was already clinched between Iran and 5+1 countries in 2015.
