Trump: 25% Tariffs for Countries with Iran Business - Trump Slaps 25% Tariffs on Nations Trading With Iran Amid Protest Crackdown
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new 25% tariff on imports from any country trading with Iran. The move aims to pressure nations into cutting ties with Tehran following its violent crackdown on anti-government protests. It marks the latest escalation in Washington’s efforts to isolate Iran economically.
The proposed tariffs could reignite trade tensions, particularly with China, Iran’s largest trade partner. Other nations potentially affected include India, Turkey, the UAE, and several EU countries. However, the legal basis for these measures remains uncertain as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The announcement comes after more than two weeks of protests across Iran. Demonstrators have clashed with security forces in multiple cities, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Trump framed the tariffs as a response to the regime’s brutal suppression of dissent, calling it a 'final order' effective immediately. Yet, no official presidential directive has been published by the White House.
This is not the first time Trump has used indirect tariffs to target countries dealing with U.S. adversaries. In 2023, he imposed similar measures on India for purchasing Russian oil. With direct sanctions on Iran limited due to minimal U.S.-Iran trade, the administration is instead pressuring third-party nations. The list of countries potentially facing tariffs includes China, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Armenia, Russia, Brazil, the UAE, and Germany.
Legal questions surround the move. The Supreme Court is currently examining whether the IEEPA—Trump’s likely justification—provides valid authority for such actions. If upheld, the tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and strain diplomatic relations, particularly with Beijing. China, as Iran’s top trade partner, would face the most significant economic impact.
Iran’s other key trade partners, such as India, the UAE, and EU nations, may also reassess their dealings with Tehran. The lack of clarity over which countries are considered 'doing business with Iran' adds to the uncertainty. Businesses and governments are now waiting for official guidance from Washington before adjusting trade policies.
The tariffs, if implemented, would mark a sharp escalation in U.S. economic pressure on Iran. Countries like China, India, and Turkey may face difficult choices between maintaining trade with Tehran or avoiding American penalties. The outcome depends on both the Supreme Court’s ruling on the IEEPA and how affected nations respond to the threat of higher import costs. No formal directive has been issued yet, leaving businesses and governments in a state of watchful uncertainty.
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