President Donald Trump announced on Monday that any country conducting business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States, as Washington weighs its response to Iran’s largest anti-government protests in years.
“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.
“This Order is final and conclusive,” he said.
The announcement comes as Tehran faces widespread demonstrations that began on Dec 28 over economic hardship and have evolved into calls for the fall of the clerical establishment.
US-based rights group HRANA reported that 599 people have died since the protests began, including 510 protesters and 89 security personnel.
While Iran maintains communication channels with Washington, Trump has said the US may meet Iranian officials and that he has been in contact with Iran’s opposition, while continuing to pressure its leadership, including threatening military action.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added, “Diplomacy is always the first option for the president.”
Trump’s tariff announcement did not include official documentation or details on the legal authority for the move, nor whether it would target all of Iran’s trading partners. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
China has criticised the policy, warning it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its interests.
“China’s position against the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs is consistent and clear. Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners, and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems,” said a Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington on X.
Iran, an OPEC member, exports much of its oil to China, with Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and India among other top trading partners. The country also endured a 12-day conflict with US ally Israel last year, and the US military carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.
Trump has frequently used tariffs during his second term against countries over trade policies and ties with US adversaries. However, his trade policy is under legal review, as the US Supreme Court considers striking down a broad swathe of his existing tariffs.
Iran exported goods to 147 countries in 2022, according to World Bank data.
Reuters
