ALWAGHT- According to a US media outlet, the US paused new sanctions on Iran even as it continues its 'maximum pressure' campaign and imposes other restrictions amid indirect talks with Tehran.
A Wall Street Journal report revealed that the White House, through a directive from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, instructed US agencies to pause all new sanctions against Iran. The unusual move—coming directly from the press secretary rather than traditional policy bodies like the NSC or Treasury—sparked internal debate and uncertainty. The pause reportedly affects multiple government departments and coincides with Omani-mediated indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.
The development casts doubt on the continuation of the "maximum pressure" campaign initiated under Donald Trump’s first presidency and carried through Biden’s term. Despite the campaign's aggressive sanctions and threats—including calls for Iran to halt uranium enrichment—Tehran has remained firm, insisting on its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and demanding the focus of negotiations be limited to lifting sanctions. Iranian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, have reiterated the country's commitment to peaceful nuclear activities and criticized US support for Israel’s unchecked nuclear program.
The Journal also highlighted internal dysfunction at the NSC, where over 100 staffers are reportedly on leave, delaying key decisions and contributing to confusion about whether the pause applies to all sanctions or only new ones. With no new sanctions since May 21 and several delayed actions, opinions vary among US officials—some see the pause as strategic, others fear it's a sign of disorder. Meanwhile, Iran maintains it is stronger than ever, with President Masoud Pezeshkian affirming the country’s resilience and readiness to explore alternative paths if the US continues down a hostile track.
