US President Donald Trump on Monday said he had imposed a 25% tariff on goods from countries with commercial ties to Iran, a move that could put pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests enter a third week.
Trump stated on social media that the tariff was effective immediately, without offering details of what constituted doing business with Iran.
China is Iran's largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India.
The new tariff follows Trump threatening military intervention if Iran continues to suppress protests. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that military options remain on the table.
Trump wrote, 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. He emphasized that this order was final and conclusive, but the White House provided no further details about how the tariffs will be enacted.
The protests in Iran are fueled by the sharp decline in the value of the rial, with nearly 500 fatalities reported by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), alongside numerous arrests. An internet blackout has hindered accurate reporting from within Iran.
The Iranian economy is already under significant strain from international sanctions related to its nuclear program, exacerbated by mismanagement and corruption. As inflation continues to soar above 40%, Iranians are facing skyrocketing prices for essentials.
