US President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran, a move that could further tighten pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests enter their third week.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, President Trump said the tariff was “effective immediately,” although he did not provide details on what would constitute “doing business” with Iran.
“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. “This Order is final and conclusive,” he added.
The White House did not provide further clarification on how the policy would be implemented or which countries’ exports to the US would be most affected.
China is currently Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India.
The announcement comes after President Trump threatened military intervention if Iranian authorities continue their crackdown on protesters. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that military options, including air strikes, remain “on the table”.
The protests, which began in late December, were sparked by public anger over the plummeting value of Iran’s currency, the rial, and have since grown into a wider political crisis for the country’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), nearly 500 protesters and 48 security personnel have been killed. Sources cited by the BBC say the true death toll could be significantly higher, with thousands more reportedly arrested.
An internet blackout imposed since Thursday evening has made it difficult to verify information from inside Iran, and the BBC and most international news organisations are currently unable to report directly from the country.
President Trump said on Sunday that Iranian officials had contacted him “to negotiate,” but added that “we may have to act before a meeting.”
Iran’s economy has been under severe strain due to international sanctions over its nuclear programme, compounded by government mismanagement and corruption.
On December 28, shopkeepers in Tehran joined street protests after another sharp fall in the rial against the US dollar.
Over the past year, Iran’s currency has sunk to record lows, while inflation has surged above 40 per cent, driving steep increases in the prices of everyday essentials such as cooking oil and meat.
Source: 3news
