Trump threatens 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country maintaining commercial ties with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on all trade with the United States.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tariff would take effect immediately and apply broadly to nations that continue doing business with the Islamic Republic. He described the decision as “final and conclusive,” without outlining enforcement mechanisms or exemptions. Under US law, such tariffs would be paid by American importers bringing goods from the affected countries into the US market.
The White House has not published any formal executive order or legal justification for the proposed measure, and officials declined to clarify whether the tariff would target all of Iran’s trading partners or only selected countries. Iran has long been subject to extensive US sanctions, but the latest threat would significantly widen the scope by penalising third countries.
China, the United Arab Emirates and India are among the largest destinations for Iranian exports, which include oil, petrochemicals and industrial goods. Iran, a member of the OPEC oil producers’ group, traded with 147 countries in 2022, according to the most recent World Bank data.
The announcement comes as Iran faces sustained nationwide protests that began in late December over economic hardship and have since evolved into direct calls for the overthrow of the clerical establishment. US-based rights group HRANA says at least 599 people have been killed so far, including more than 500 protesters and dozens of security personnel.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high following last year’s brief war between Iran and US ally Israel and US air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. While Trump has hinted at possible talks with Iranian officials and said channels of communication remain open, he has also warned that military options are on the table.
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