Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on Countries Doing Business with Iran Amid Protests
As anti-regime protests in Iran escalate into some of the deadliest demonstrations in years, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened economic measures to pressure Tehran, posting on Truth Social Monday that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States.
“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 wrote. “This Order is final and conclusive.”
Details remain unclear, including what constitutes “doing business” with Iran and which countries are affected. The White House has not published formal guidance on the policy or explained the legal basis for the tariff, and did not respond immediately to TIME’s request for comment.
Observers note that the new Iran-related tariffs follow Trump’s familiar strategy of using trade measures to influence foreign policy, penalize countries that do not align with U.S. interests, and create leverage for diplomatic negotiations.
Experts, however, have warned that additional levies could have consequences for American consumers. The proposed 25% tariff would be on top of existing trade measures introduced last year, which have already contributed to higher prices and could affect some of the U.S.’s largest trading partners.
The announcement comes amid speculation that Trump is considering military action in Iran, though his administration has not confirmed any plans.
