Wednesday, January 14, 2026 -President Donald Trump has warned that any country conducting business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on trade with the United States, significantly escalating pressure on Tehran as deadly anti-government protests continue across the country.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the
measure would take effect immediately. “Any country doing business with the
Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 percent on any and all
business being done with the United States of America,” he wrote, describing
the order as “final and conclusive.”
The White House did not provide further details on how the
tariff would be enforced or what level of commercial engagement would qualify
as doing business with Iran. Nevertheless, the announcement carries major
implications for global trade, particularly for China, one of Iran’s largest
trading partners and a key buyer of its already sanctioned oil. If fully
implemented, the move could push tariffs on Chinese goods entering the United
States to at least 45 percent, up from the current 20 percent.
China’s foreign ministry criticized the threat, warning of
broader consequences. “There are no winners in a tariff war, and China will
firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” spokesperson Mao Ning
said.
The tariff warning comes as Trump considers tougher action
against Iran following a violent crackdown on protests that erupted weeks ago.
A United States-based human rights group says at least
648 protesters have been killed, though it cautioned that the actual number may
be far higher. Iranian authorities have also imposed an internet shutdown that
has lasted more than four days, cutting off much of the country’s roughly 90
million people from the outside world, according to internet monitoring group
NetBlocks.
Trump has said the killings were “starting to” cross his red
line and confirmed he has been briefed on a range of military and covert
options, including long-range missile strikes as well as cyber and
psychological operations, according to officials cited by US media. The White
House said no final decision has been made and that communication channels with
Tehran remain open.
Iran’s foreign minister has said the country is open to
talks with Washington but remains “prepared for war.” Both sides have confirmed
renewed contact between Iranian officials and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff,
even as public rhetoric has grown increasingly confrontational.
0 Comments