U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Countries Trading With Iran and Urges Americans to Leave as Tehran Stages Pro-Government Marches

Overview

• President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on any country that conducts business with Iran, escalating economic pressure on Tehran.
• The U.S. Interests Section in Tehran warned Americans to leave the country immediately, citing intensifying protests, flight disruptions and internet shutdowns, and advised land exits to Armenia or Turkey where feasible.
• The White House said air strikes are among options under consideration, with Trump telling reporters he is weighing “very strong” responses to the repression.
• Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said the country is prepared for war yet open to “fair” negotiations, asserted security forces have control, and authorities organized pro-regime rallies and declared days of mourning.
• Rights groups report hundreds of deaths and over 10,000 arrests since late December, though tallies vary widely and cannot be independently verified due to a near-total internet blackout.