The Study of Trump`s Strategy of “Maximum Pressure ” on Iran from “The Power to Coerce” Perspective

Since the US withdrew from “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”, commonly known as Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump’s administration’s campaign has been constant maximum pressure in order for Iran to sign a new deal beyond the nuclear issue.Hence, a combination of different integrated, targeted, and simultaneous means have been deployed. In this manuscript, in order to gain a non-reductionist understanding of Trump’s approach against Iran, the concept of “power of coerce”, and its means will be utilized. This concept will provide us a convenient setting to understand the model, and to analyze how such maximum pressure campaign progresses. According to this manuscript, the US, in addition to comprehensive sanctions in the areas of economy, arms and energy, has exploited other means such maritime intercept, support for adversaries’ opponents, and widespread offensive cyber operations against Iran in an attempt to substitute these simultaneous actions for a war. Nevertheless, despite the imposed damages, Iran’s counteractions have frustrated Trump’s objectives. However,assertive and out-of-order exploitation of the means by the US is predictable.