Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Countries Doing Business With Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump announces a 25% tariff targeting countries with commercial ties to Iran as anti-government protests intensify.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new trade measure, imposing a 25% tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran. The move, which Trump said takes effect immediately, is designed to increase pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests enter their third week.

Tariffs Take Effect Immediately

In a social media post on Monday, Trump said the tariff would apply to any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran, though he did not clarify how such ties would be defined or which industries would be targeted.

“This order is final and conclusive,” Trump wrote, signaling little room for negotiation.

The White House has not released further details, leaving uncertainty over which nations and imports could face the highest impact.

Major Trading Partners Could Be Affected

Iran’s largest trading partner is China, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India. Any disruption involving these countries could ripple through global trade and energy markets, particularly as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.

Tariff Follows Military Warnings

The tariff announcement comes days after Trump warned that the United States could intervene militarily if Iranian authorities escalate violence against protesters. According to the White House, military options including air strikes remain under consideration.

Trump also claimed that Iranian officials had reached out to negotiate, but warned that the U.S. may act before any formal talks take place.

Protests Grow Amid Economic Collapse

The unrest in Iran began in late December, triggered by the rapid decline of the Iranian currency, the rial. Since then, demonstrations have expanded into a broader challenge to the leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Human rights groups report nearly 500 protesters killed and thousands arrested, though the true numbers remain unclear due to an ongoing internet blackout that has limited independent reporting from inside the country.

Sanctions and Inflation Fuel Public Anger

Iran’s economy has already been weakened by international sanctions linked to its nuclear program, as well as years of mismanagement and corruption. Over the past year, the rial has fallen to record lows while inflation has surged past 40%, driving up the cost of basic goods such as cooking oil and meat.

In late December, shopkeepers joined street protests in Tehran after another sharp drop in the currency’s value, underscoring the growing economic desperation facing ordinary Iranians.

Pressure Mounts on Tehran

As protests continue and U.S. pressure intensifies, Iran faces mounting economic and political challenges. With trade restrictions tightening and diplomatic tensions escalating, the coming weeks could prove critical for both Tehran and its international partners.