President Donald Trump announced on Monday that any country trading with Iran will face a 25% tariff on U.S. imports from that nation, as Washington evaluates its response to ongoing anti-government protests in Tehran, the largest in decades.
“Effective immediately, 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 said in a post on Truth Social, adding that the order is “final and conclusive.”
The tariffs would be paid by U.S. importers sourcing goods from countries engaged in trade with Iran, which has long been heavily sanctioned by Washington.
Iran exports significant quantities of oil to China, with Turkey, Iraq, the UAE, and India among its other top trading partners.
No official documentation has appeared on the White House website clarifying the legal authority for the tariffs, which trading partners may be affected, or how the measure will be enforced.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
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The Chinese embassy in Washington criticised the move, warning that Beijing will take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests and rejecting “any illicit unilateral sanctions.”
“Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners, and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems,” the embassy said.
Japan and South Korea, both of which signed trade agreements with the U.S. last year, said they are monitoring the development closely. South Korea’s trade ministry noted it will act as necessary once the U.S. policy details are clear. Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Masanao Ozaki, said Tokyo will examine the measures carefully and respond appropriately.
Iran Protests and U.S. Response
Trump has indicated the U.S. may meet with Iranian officials while continuing to pressure Tehran, including threatening military action. The protests in Iran began over economic hardships and have escalated into calls for the fall of the ruling clerical establishment.
According to U.S.-based rights group HRANA, at least 599 people have died since the demonstrations began on December 28, including 510 protesters and 89 security personnel.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that “diplomacy is always the first option for the president,” despite other measures, including military action, remaining under consideration.
This latest announcement continues Trump’s pattern of using tariffs as a tool of foreign policy. During his second term, he frequently threatened and imposed tariffs on countries over ties with U.S. adversaries or perceived unfair trade practices.
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Trump’s trade policy faces ongoing legal scrutiny, with the U.S. Supreme Court currently considering challenges that could strike down many of his existing tariffs.
According to World Bank data, Iran exported goods to 147 trading partners in 2022, highlighting the global reach of Trump’s new tariff threat.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
