US President Donald Trump Signs Executive Orders on Iran and UNHRC
Reinstating "Maximum Pressure" Campaign on Iran
United States President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders, one reinstating the "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran and another formally withdrawing the US from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The moves come ahead of Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, reinforcing his administration’s strong stance on Middle East policy.
Under the new order, the US Treasury Department is directed to impose sweeping sanctions on Iran, targeting its oil exports and curbing its influence in the region. Trump told reporters, "It’s very tough on Iran. I’m unhappy to do it, but I really have not so much choice, because we have to be strong and firm." He reiterated that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and warned of "total obliteration" if Tehran attempted to harm him.
The reimposition of economic pressure aligns with Trump’s broader policy of confrontation with Iran, which saw his administration unilaterally withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and order the assassination of Iranian military commander General Qasim Soleimani in 2020.
Withdrawing from UNHRC
Simultaneously, Trump signed an order pulling the US out of the UNHRC, reviving a decision he first made during his initial term. The move also cuts future US funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which had already been suspended in 2024 under the Biden administration.
A White House fact sheet, cited by Politico, stated that the UN rights council "has not fulfilled its purpose and continues to be used as a protective body for countries committing horrific human rights violations." Last October, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed laws banning UNRWA’s operations in Israeli-controlled territories and prohibiting Israeli officials from engaging with the agency.
Background and Context
The US withdrawal from the UNHRC is seen as a significant move, as the council has been a key platform for human rights advocacy and monitoring. The decision to cut funding to UNRWA is also significant, as the agency provides critical services to Palestinian refugees.
Conclusion
The executive orders signed by President Trump demonstrate his administration’s continued commitment to a hardline stance on Iran and its withdrawal from international agreements and institutions. The implications of these moves are far-reaching and will likely have significant consequences for regional stability and global relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the implications of the US withdrawal from the UNHRC?
A: The withdrawal from the UNHRC will likely lead to a vacuum in human rights advocacy and monitoring, potentially allowing human rights violators to go unchecked.
Q: What is the significance of the US withdrawal from UNRWA?
A: The withdrawal from UNRWA will likely lead to a reduction in services provided to Palestinian refugees, potentially exacerbating humanitarian crises in the region.
Q: What is the significance of the "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran?
A: The campaign aims to cripple Iran’s economy and limit its influence in the region, but critics argue that it will only lead to further instability and conflict.