Trump imposes 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran

International

US President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran.

The move was aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests stretch into a third week.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tariff would take effect “immediately,” though he did not provide details on what would qualify as “doing business” with Iran or which sectors would be covered by the new measure.

“Any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump wrote, adding that the order was “final and conclusive.”

The White House has yet to release further guidance on how the policy will be implemented or which countries’ exports to the United States could be most affected.

China is Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and India.

The announcement came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, as protests sparked by Iran’s economic crisis continue to spread.

The demonstrations, which began in late December after the Iranian rial plunged in value, have evolved into a broader challenge to the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump has repeatedly warned Iran’s leadership against violent crackdowns.

In a BBC report, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that military options, including air strikes, remain “on the table,” following Trump’s threat to intervene if protesters are killed.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, nearly 500 protesters and 48 members of Iran’s security forces have been killed so far, though other sources suggest the toll could be significantly higher.

Thousands of people have reportedly been arrested.Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)