Iran, preparing for the potential reinstatement of President-elect Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy, has designated 2025 as a pivotal year in addressing its nuclear concerns. Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, saw Iran agreeing to limit uranium enrichment in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Nations.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized the significance of 2025 with regard to Iran’s nuclear issue during his statements to the press in Beijing. While conversing with his Chinese counterpart, Araqchi refrained from explicitly mentioning Trump’s name or detailing the specific implications of the upcoming year. Iranian authorities are apprehensive that Trump may authorize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conduct strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities while simultaneously tightening sanctions on its vital oil sector.
The Iranian rial plummeted to a historic low against the U.S. dollar on Saturday as uncertainties loom over Trump’s impending assumption of office on January 20. Unofficial market figures revealed the rial trading at 820,500 to the dollar, a decline from 808,500 rials recorded on the previous day according to Bonbast.com. Concurrently, bazar360.com reported a similar exchange rate. With an inflation rate officially estimated at approximately 35%, Iranian citizens are seeking to safeguard their assets by investing in dollars, other stable currencies, gold, or cryptocurrencies. Since Trump’s election in November, the rial has depreciated by around 18%.
As Iran braces for potential policy shifts under the incoming U.S. administration, the nation remains focused on the implications of the next few years for its nuclear program and economic stability.
