Washington D.C. — June 17, 2025
As tensions between the United States and Iran reach an impasse following reports of explosions in Tehran and aggressive posturing on both sides, former President Donald Trump has once more emerged as a central figure in debates over U.S. foreign policy. With growing speculation that Trump might return as president by 2025, questions surrounding how he would manage Iran-related crises become ever more pressing if he were back in power – along with potential solutions he might employ if that occurs.
Trump, known for his aggressive “maximum pressure” campaign during his previous term, has already made clear his hardline position towards Iran. Over the weekend he used social media platforms such as Twitter to urge Americans and allies to evacuate Tehran due to “highly dangerous conditions”, suggesting Iran’s regime faces both internal and external threats.
Analysts speculate that, should Trump return to power, he would have four primary options available to him for countering Iran:
- Renew Sanctions Pressure
One of Trump’s signature strategies during his presidency was reinstating or expanding economic sanctions after withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He could quickly reinstate or expand financial and oil-related sanctions targeted at Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps units, key government figures, vital sectors such as energy or shipping as a means to cripple their economy and pressure its leadership into scaling back their nuclear ambitions. - Military Deterrence or Targeted Strikes
President Trump has previously authorized direct military action, such as the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Should another attack strike U.S. troops, allies, or regional infrastructure, similar limited responses might be considered in response. Nonetheless, full-scale war remains unlikely as President Trump typically prefers precision over extended conflict. - Cyber Warfare and Covert Operations
Covert cyber operations such as the 2010 Stuxnet virus attack led by the U.S. and Israel have proven highly effective in slowing Iran’s nuclear progress. Trump could authorize similar digital sabotage efforts targeting nuclear facilities or missile systems, providing plausible deniability while mitigating risk from immediate large-scale retaliation against such actions by Iran. - Diplomatic Deal Under Trump’s Terms
Even after withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, Donald Trump has maintained that he could negotiate a “better deal.” Should Tehran open itself up to dialogue, Trump could press for stricter restrictions on enrichment limits, missile development and regional militancy in any new agreement that replaces this one; though there remains doubt as to whether Tehran would even engage after years of hostility and broken trust between both countries.
Trump’s potential return could radically reshape U.S.-Iran relations once more. While some hawkish allies support taking a hard line with Iran, others warn of unchecked escalation that could backfire. Iran itself has shown defiance by expanding nuclear enrichment activities and joining Russia and China at international forums.
Trump’s decisions – be they economic, military, digital or diplomatic in nature – carry significant global repercussions. With the Middle East poised on the brink of crisis, many observers closely scrutinize which paths he might choose for action.