Sigal Mandelker, who has played a crucial role in the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran, is expected to leave her position in a few weeks as U.S. undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, announced the U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday.
“She is a fierce advocate for effectively leveraging our powerful economic tools to make an impact for a safer world,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a statement. “Sigal’s steadfast devotion to mission will be missed, as she is truly a unique talent.”
Mnuchin said that Mandelker informed him over the summer of her upcoming departure.
U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin Muzinich will take on Mandelker’s duties while the administration searches for her replacement.
During Mandelker’s tenure, the United States reimposed sanctions lifted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Washington left in May 2018, along with enacting new financial penalties against Tehran.
The administration has also imposed hard-hitting sanctions against adversaries including Russia, North Korea and Venezuela.
“Sigal Mandelker brought extraordinary expertise, experience, energy and commitment to the role and deserves the gratitude of all Americans,” Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Jewish Insider. “I anticipate that her replacement will be equally talented and committed, and that there will be no change in the administration’s commitment to maximum economic and financial pressure against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
