Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday announced a sweeping new economic measure against Iran, declaring that any country maintaining business ties with Tehran will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States. The move, which Trump said takes effect immediately, significantly escalates pressure on the Islamic Republic amid widespread protests and reports of a deadly state crackdown.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tariff would apply to all nations engaging in commerce with Iran.
“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. This Order is final and conclusive,” Trump said.
He did not specify how the policy would be enforced, which countries would be targeted or whether exceptions would be made for humanitarian or strategic trade.
The announcement risks straining major US trade relationships, as Iran continues to have economic links with countries including India, China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
The decision comes as unrest intensifies across Iran. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group said at least 648 people have been killed in a violent crackdown on weeks of nationwide demonstrations. Iranian authorities have not released an official casualty figure and have accused the US and Israel of fuelling unrest. The state media has largely focused on deaths among security forces.