Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Countries Trading With Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump said on January 12 that he had introduced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial links with Iran. This move is aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests continue for a third week.

Posting on social media, Trump said the measure was effective immediately but did not clarify what activities would qualify as doing business with Iran. China is Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and India.

The White House provided no further details on how the tariff would be enforced or which countries would be most affected. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said military options, including air strikes, remained under consideration if the situation worsened.

Trump has warned of possible U.S. intervention and said Iranian officials had contacted him to discuss negotiations, while adding that action could come before any talks take place.

Protests fuelled by economic crisis

Protests erupted in late December after a sharp fall in the value of Iran’s currency, the rial, and have since grown into a broader challenge to the country’s leadership. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency says it has confirmed nearly 500 protester deaths and 48 fatalities among security personnel, with thousands more reported arrested. Iran has not released official figures.

An internet blackout imposed since December 8 evening has restricted the flow of information from inside the country, making independent verification difficult for international media.

Iran’s economy has been under strain for years due to international sanctions linked to its nuclear programme, alongside domestic mismanagement and corruption. Over the past year, the rial has hit record lows and inflation has surged above 40%, driving steep increases in the cost of basic goods such as cooking oil and meat.