President Donald Trump announced new executive orders from the White House on June 16, 2025, to increase pressure on Iran [1].

The move signals a shift in U.S. strategy toward Tehran, utilizing a combination of strict executive mandates and a memorandum of understanding to curb nuclear ambitions. By threatening severe penalties for non-compliance, the administration seeks to force a resolution on the nuclear program and regional stability.

Trump said that Iran will face "ultimate consequences" if the country does not fully comply with the memorandum of understanding [3]. The president said that the U.S. is editing the current agreement to include stricter limits on enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz [2].

These measures are intended to enforce compliance with a newly drafted memorandum of understanding regarding the nuclear program, and regional activities [2, 3, 4]. The administration aims to heighten pressure on Tehran to ensure the country adheres to the specific terms set by the U.S. [2, 4].

However, the president's public statements regarding the scope of the deal have varied. While some reports emphasize the tightening of restrictions, other accounts suggest the president has downplayed the need for a nuclear agreement, stating that while the U.S. will meet with Iran, the nuclear deal is not a priority [4].

Trump also addressed the issue of ballistic missiles in a separate context. He said it is unfair for Iran not to have ballistic missiles if other Gulf countries have them after signing a peace deal [5]. This suggests a complex approach to regional disarmament that weighs the capabilities of Gulf allies against those of Tehran.

The White House announcement underscores a policy of maximum pressure intended to secure a favorable agreement through the threat of economic or diplomatic escalation [1, 2].

“Iran will face ultimate consequences if it does not fully comply with the memorandum of understanding.”

The administration is employing a 'carrot and stick' approach, pairing the threat of 'ultimate consequences' with a willingness to discuss regional parity regarding ballistic missiles. By focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and uranium enrichment, the U.S. is targeting the two most critical levers of Iranian power: its ability to disrupt global oil shipping and its path to a nuclear weapon.