Trump's Tariff Threats Target Countries Trading with Iran

Sun Feb 08 2026 00:08:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order threatening tariffs on nations trading with Iran, intensifying diplomatic tensions amidst ongoing negotiations.

In a significant move, President Trump has signed an executive order that threatens to impose tariffs on countries conducting business with Iran, citing concerns over nuclear capabilities and terrorism. The order mentions a potential rate of 25% on goods imported from nations that engage in trade with Iran. As tensions rise following discussions between the US and Iranian officials, Trump's stance reflects ongoing national security concerns regarding Iran's actions.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order threatening to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran. The order, issued on Friday, does not specify the rate that could be imposed but uses 25% as an example. It states that the tariff would apply to goods imported into the US from any nation that 'directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran.'

While Trump has not directly commented on the order, he reiterated the stance of 'no nuclear weapons' for Iran during a speech from Air Force One on Friday night. The executive order follows recent talks between US and Iranian officials in Oman, reflecting escalating tensions between the two nations.

Earlier this year, Trump had already implied a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran in a post to Truth Social, emphasizing that such tariffs would be effective immediately. On January 12, he declared, '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.'

At that time, details on the execution of these tariffs remained vague. The White House clarified that the executive order reaffirms the 'ongoing national emergency with respect to Iran' and suggested that the tariffs could be adjusted if circumstances change.

The president is holding Iran accountable for its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and activities that destabilize the region—all perceived as threats to American security and interests.

In a parallel action, the US State Department announced sanctions against 15 entities involved in trading Iranian crude oil and petrochemical products. Despite extensive sanctions, Iran continues to trade with over 100 countries, primarily with China, which remains its largest export partner.

These tariff threats and sanctions highlight the high-stakes and contentious diplomatic landscape surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions. As negotiations continue, Trump emphasizes the urgency of reaching a deal while openly expressing readiness for military action if necessary.