US President, Donald Trump has warned that any country conducting business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on trade with the United States, significantly escalating pressure on Tehran as deadly anti-government protests continue across the country.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the measure would take effect immediately. “Any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 percent on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” he wrote, describing the order as “final and conclusive.”
The White House did not provide further details on how the tariff would be enforced or what level of commercial engagement would qualify as doing business with Iran. Nevertheless, the announcement carries major implications for global trade, particularly for China, one of Iran’s largest trading partners and a key buyer of its already sanctioned oil. If fully implemented, the move could push tariffs on Chinese goods entering the United States to at least 45 percent, up from the current 20 percent.
China’s foreign ministry criticized the threat, warning of broader consequences. “There are no winners in a tariff war, and China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” spokesperson Mao Ning said.
The tariff warning comes as Trump considers tougher action against Iran following a violent crackdown on protests that erupted weeks ago.
A United States-based human rights group says at least 648 protesters have been killed, though it cautioned that the actual number may be far higher. Iranian authorities have also imposed an internet shutdown that has lasted more than four days, cutting off much of the country’s roughly 90 million people from the outside world, according to internet monitoring group NetBlocks.
Trump has said the killings were “starting to” cross his red line and confirmed he has been briefed on a range of military and covert options, including long-range missile strikes as well as cyber and psychological operations, according to officials cited by US media. The White House said no final decision has been made and that communication channels with Tehran remain open.
Iran’s foreign minister has said the country is open to talks with Washington but remains “prepared for war.” Both sides have confirmed renewed contact between Iranian officials and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, even as public rhetoric has grown increasingly confrontational.
