Iran

Trump’s unilateral war on Iran signals the end of the U.S.-led world order and forces allies to reconsider security, trade, and global partnerships.

Relaxed rules of engagement under Pete Hegseth are blamed for increasing civilian casualties, including a deadly strike on an Iranian girls’ school.

Support for the United States’ war against Iran is already unusually low, while the administration’s justifications have shifted from day to day. As Congress prepares new war powers votes, pressure is building in Washington to challenge the president’s authority to wage war without congressional consent.

Trump’s Iran war has been marked by shifting rationales, little preparation, and growing economic and geopolitical risks for the United States and its allies.

Trump’s oil blockade fuels a crisis in Cuba as the US and Israel strike Iran. Trump eases sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gas sectors, while Canada relaxes sanctions on Syria. The EU fails to adopt its 20th package of Russia sanctions.

The experiences of Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan suggest that removing Iran’s leadership may not deliver stability or democracy, but instead risk prolonged chaos and conflict.

Trump eases some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector while maintaining the naval blockade and threatening tariffs on countries shipping oil to Cuba. Treasury Secretary Bessent says protests in Iran were sparked by sanctions-fueled economic crisis. 

The following resource is intended to aid policymakers and advocates in understanding US sanctions policy and its lethal and humanitarian consequences.

Trump enacts a “blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan oil, likely impacting Cuba’s economy too; Congress repeals a landmark Syria sanctions bill as sanctions weigh on Iran and Russia.

Trump extends the Syria sanctions waiver as measures on Russia and Cuba bite. The President also signals openness to talks on Iran sanctions, while escalating threats against Venezuela with new designations.