U.S. Ends Waiver for Iraq to Buy Iran’s Electricity
On March 8, the United States allowed a waiver to expire that had permitted Iraq to buy Iranian electricity. The move was the latest in the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign to cut off Iran’s revenue streams and push Tehran to negotiate over its controversial nuclear program. For Iraq, it could have a negative impact in the short term, but positive in the long term because it would mean movement toward Iraqi energy independence or at least diversification.

U.N. Nuclear Watchdog on Iran’s Stonewalling
The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog and officials from Western powers criticized Iran for failing to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency during a meeting of its Board of Governors. In a joint statement, Britain, France, Germany, and the United States warned that the Board of Governors “must be prepared to consider finding Iran in non-compliance with its safeguards agreement,” which could lead to U.N. Security Council action. 

President Trump Reimposes “Maximum Pressure” on Iran
On February 4, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum to impose “maximum pressure” on Iran’s government, deny Tehran all paths to a nuclear weapon, and counter the regime’s malign influence in the Middle East. It is “in the national interest to impose maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to end its nuclear threat, curtail its ballistic missile program, and stop its support for terrorist groups,” the memorandum said.

U.S. Sanctions Iranian Drone Procurement Network
On February 26, the United States sanctioned six companies based in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China involved in procuring components for Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs. 

U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Oil Minister and Shadow Fleet Operators
On March 13, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Iran’s oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, along with companies in Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, and other locations, for involvement in transporting Iranian oil to China in violation of U.S. sanctions. Additionally, the State Department designated three companies and identified three vessels involved in smuggling Iranian oil or petroleum products.

U.S. Sanctions Oil Smuggling Network
On February 6, the United States sanctioned an international network that smuggled millions of barrels of Iranian oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars. China, which reportedly purchases some 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, was the destination for the cargo.

U.S. Sanctions More of Iran’s Shadow Fleet
On February 24, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned 22 people and 13 vessels for involvement in smuggling oil and petroleum products on behalf of Iran. They were based in Iran, China, Hong Kong, India, and the United Arab Emirates. 

U.S. Sanctions Swedish Gang Working for Iran
On March 12, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned the Foxtrot Network, a Sweden-based transnational criminal organization, and its leader, Rawa Majid. In January 2024, the gang orchestrated an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm on behalf of Iran.

FBI Seeking Information on Iranian Intelligence Officers
On February 4, the FBI announced the names of two senior Iranian intelligence officers who were involved in the abduction of Robert. A “Bob” Levinson in 2007. The retired FBI agent was reportedly on a rogue Central Intelligence Agency mission when he disappeared on Kish Island in Iran. He was the longest held hostage in U.S. history. 

Former Navy Sailor Plotted Attack on Behalf of Iran
On February 27, Xuanyu Harry Pang, a former Navy sailor, pled guilty to plotting to attack Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois, allegedly on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Sanctions Violations
On February 25, Ray Hunt of Alabama was sentenced to five years in prison for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran. Hunt, also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, conspired with two companies in Tehran to export U.S.-made industrial equipment for Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Report: Executions of Minorities in Iran in 2024
In 2024, Iran’s ethnic minorities were overrepresented in death penalty statistics, and authorities did not publicize many executions in provinces with large Azeri, Kurdish, and Baluch populations, according to an annual report by Iran Human Rights. The watchdog recorded 975 executions, a 17 percent increase from 2023. 

Report: Corruption Perceptions in Iran 2024
Iran was among the most corrupt countries in the world, according to an annual Transparency International report. The Islamic Republic ranked 151st out of 180 governments evaluated. 

News Digest: Week of March 10, 2025
During the week of March 10, Iran, China, and Russia conducted joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, the U.N. Security Council held a private meeting to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear program, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei again rejected U.S. outreach for talks.