Official announcements from the US State Department or credible news sources like Reuters or Bloomberg

Brian Hook to Lead State Dept Transition as Trump Plans to Renew 'Maximum Pressure' on Iran, Cutting Oil by 1 Million Barrels

Nov 7, 2024, 10:30 PM

Former US Iran envoy Brian Hook is set to lead the State Department's transition team for President-elect Donald Trump. Hook, who served as the Director of Policy Planning and US Special Representative for Iran during Trump's first term, was the architect of the 'maximum pressure' sanctions campaign against Iran. Trump's return to the White House is expected to herald a tougher line on Iran, with plans to drastically increase sanctions and throttle its oil sales. This strategy aims to undercut Tehran's support of violent Mideast proxies and its nuclear program. Sources indicate that the renewed 'maximum pressure' policy could cut Iranian oil supply by as much as 1 million barrels per day. Speculation also surrounds the potential appointment of Mike Pompeo as Secretary of Defense.