US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a 25 per cent tariff on any country that continues to trade with Iran, sharply escalating pressure on Tehran amid its crackdown on nationwide protests that have reportedly claimed nearly 600 lives and led to thousands of arrests.
The decision, which takes effect immediately, could impact several major US trading partners, including India and China, both of which maintain commercial relations with Iran. Announcing the move on Truth Social, Trump said, “Any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 per cent on any business being done with the United States of America,” adding that the order was “final and conclusive.”
The announcement comes as the Trump administration considers further measures against Iran, including possible military action. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier said that air strikes were among the options being reviewed, while also confirming that Tehran had opened a diplomatic channel through Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. She noted that Iran’s private communications differed markedly from its public statements.
