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 said 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 comes after Trump threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that military options, including air strikes, were still on the table.
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, Trump wrote on Truth Social. This Order is final and conclusive.
The White House did not share additional information about the tariffs, including which countries' imports will be hit hardest. Anger over the plummeting value of the Iranian currency sparked protests, which have turned into a crisis for Iran's leadership.
The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reports nearly 500 protester deaths and 48 security personnel fatalities, with thousands of arrests likely higher due to an ongoing internet blackout, hampering accurate news reporting from Iran.
International sanctions related to Iran's nuclear ambitions have severely impacted its economy, exacerbated by mismanagement and corruption. Inflation has soared, causing significant hardships for everyday Iranians.
Amidst rising tensions, Trump has hinted at the need for possible immediate action regarding Iran, even indicating that negotiations could follow.
