Trump Will Tighten Sanctions on Iran, Says Senator Hagerty

Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) signaled this weekend that President-elect Donald Trump will once again impose a tough, uncompromising stance on Iran, mirroring the approach from Trump’s first term. In an interview with CBS’s “Face The Nation,” Hagerty told Margaret Brennan that the new administration will re-implement the “maximum pressure campaign” that successfully curtailed Iran’s influence and funding of terrorism across the Middle East.

Under Trump’s first term, the results of this campaign were clear: Iran was isolated economically, cut off from global financial systems, and unable to fund terrorist networks. As Hagerty described, “Iran was broke. Now they’re able to fund terror all over the world. We had a maximum pressure campaign.” According to Hagerty, the Trump administration’s strict policies were crucial to fostering peace in the region and preventing Iran from engaging in business with other adversarial nations.

Key Points from Hagerty’s Interview:

• Iran’s Funding of Terrorism: Under Trump’s maximum pressure, Iran faced stringent sanctions, which stifled its ability to finance terrorist groups. Hagerty contrasted this with the current administration’s lax approach, which has allowed Iran to regain the resources needed to support terrorism globally.

• Middle East Stability Through Strength: The Trump administration was able to advance the Abraham Accords, the historic peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, while relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem a move many believed impossible. Hagerty emphasized that these achievements were possible because Iran was economically shackled and unable to fund conflicts in the region.

• Shift in Power Dynamics: The recent hostage situations involving Hamas and Israel, Hagerty suggested, highlight the need for firm leadership. With Trump’s return, Hagerty believes Hamas is less likely to “get a free pass,” signaling that a stronger U.S. stance could lead to diplomatic progress and stability in the region.

Hagerty also highlighted Trump’s willingness to “focus on the root cause” of instability in the Middle East, pointing directly to Iran’s role. “President Trump was able to deliver peace through strength,” Hagerty said, expressing optimism for renewed opportunities for peace under Trump’s leadership.

As global power dynamics shift, Hagerty’s remarks signal a return to a policy that prioritizes containment of Iran and the pursuit of stability in the Middle East.

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