U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the introduction of 25 percent tariffs on countries that conduct business with Iran.
“Effective today, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will be subject to a 25% tariff on all commercial transactions conducted with the United States. This order is final and mandatory,” Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.
The measure could affect major U.S. trade relationships worldwide, as Iran’s partners include not only neighboring countries but also India, Turkey, and China, Bloomberg reports.
China is the world’s largest buyer of Iranian oil. The country’s independent oil refineries have increased purchases of Iranian crude since last month. An additional 25% tariff on Chinese goods risks undermining the trade truce that Trump reached with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in late 2025, the agency notes.
Trump has previously said that Iranian leaders “want negotiations,” but that the United States “may have to act” before meeting with them. CNN, citing two U.S. officials, reported that both military and non-military options are being considered to confront the Iranian regime. Trump is concerned that military strikes could rally the Iranian population against the United States. Non-military measures under discussion include new sanctions, cyberattacks against military or government infrastructure, and providing protesters with Starlink internet access.
Mass protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, amid an economic crisis, the collapse of the national currency, and rising inflation. Before the internet shutdown, protests were reported in around 120 cities. Authorities are attempting to violently suppress the demonstrations, using weapons.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), as of January 12 more than 600 people, including nine children, have been killed since the start of the mass protests. The actual number of fatalities has yet to be determined.
The number of those arrested is estimated to exceed 10,000.
