Trump Slams Tariff on Countries Doing Business with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced wide-ranging economic sanctions targeting countries that continue to trade with Iran, intensifying pressure following a nationwide crackdown on protests in Tehran.

In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said any country that does business with the Islamic Republic of Iran would be hit with a 25 percent tariff on all trade with the United States, effective immediately.

He labelled the decision “final and conclusive,” but provided little information on how the tariffs would be enforced or the legal basis for their implementation.

Under the directive, nations maintaining commercial ties with Tehran – including major economies such as China, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and India – could face penalties through the higher tariff rate on U.S. trade.

Tariffs are typically paid by U.S. importers bringing in goods from affected countries.

The announcement comes as Iran witnesses its largest anti-government protests in years, with reports of hundreds of deaths with crackdowns by security forces.

Trump’s statement aligns with a broader U.S. approach that keeps “all options on the table,” including potential military action, according to White House officials. However, national security advisers have stressed that diplomacy remains the preferred first step.

No formal White House document detailing the tariff policy was immediately released, and the administration has yet to explain how countries would be identified or how the measure fits within existing U.S. trade laws and international commitments.

Global markets and government officials were weighing the potential impact, with analysts cautioning that sweeping tariffs could disrupt international trade and strain relations with U.S. partners.

Foreign governments are expected to examine the policy’s legal foundations and possible exemptions, while the U.S. Congress and courts may become involved in debates over presidential authority to impose such measures.

Responses from affected nations and potential policy adjustments are anticipated in the coming days.