U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new measure: a 25% tariff on any country that does business with Iran. The tariffs will apply to "all business being done with the United States of America," he stated in a post on his Truth Social platform. He added that the new tariffs on imports from Iran’s trading partners would take effect immediately. “This order is final and conclusive. Thank you for your attention to this matter!,” he concluded.
The move is expected to significantly impact countries such as China and India. Trump’s efforts to economically isolate Iran come in response to the regime’s violent crackdown on protests that have erupted across the country in recent weeks. The regime shut down internet access nationwide on Thursday, and reports indicate that hundreds of protesters have been killed and thousands arrested.
Since the protests began, Trump has repeatedly warned that he would take military action against Iran if protesters were harmed. “Iran wants freedom, probably more than ever. The U.S. is ready to help!!!” he posted on Saturday. On Sunday, responding to reporters’ questions, he confirmed that the U.S. military was considering intervention. “We are looking at some very strong options,” he added.
According to Trade Data Monitor, a firm that tracks global trade and tariffs, more than 100 countries traded with Iran in the first half of 2025. China, Turkey, Pakistan and India are among Iran’s top trade partners, the data shows.
Trump’s announcement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming days on the legality of his previous tariffs—so-called “reciprocal tariffs” introduced in April.
First published: 09:18, 01.13.26