Overview
- Trump declared that, effective immediately, any nation trading with Iran will face a 25% tariff on all its business with the United States and called the order final and conclusive.
- The White House offered no definition of what counts as “doing business” with Iran, no enforcement mechanism, and no guidance on exemptions or scope.
- Major partners of Iran that could be affected include China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Russia and Brazil, raising the prospect of broader trade friction and potential strain on the fragile U.S.–China trade truce.
- The announcement follows weeks of unrest in Iran, with rights groups reporting hundreds of protesters killed and thousands detained during a communications blackout.
- Officials say diplomacy remains the first option while confirming military options are on the table; Trump said Iranian leaders had reached out to negotiate but warned he may act before any meeting if conditions worsen.