Trump orders an immediate 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran. The move targets major economies like China and India but lacks enforcement details.
Trump Announces Sweeping 25% Tariff on All Countries Doing Business with Iran (Image: File)
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 13 — President Donald Trump escalated global economic pressure on Iran, announcing the United States will impose an immediate 25% tariff on any country that conducts business with the Islamic Republic. The sweeping order, delivered via Truth Social, offers no details on enforcement or exemptions and risks upsetting major U.S. trading relationships worldwide.
In a Monday post on Truth Social, President Trump declared that any country doing business with Iran will be subject to a 25% tariff "on any and all business being done with the United States of America." He stated the order is "final and conclusive" and "effective immediately." The policy is designed to economically isolate Tehran amid a violent crackdown on protests that has reportedly killed at least 599 people.
The order could impact a wide range of U.S. trading partners, as Iran maintains commercial ties with several major global economies. Important countries that have substantial trading ties with both Iran and the United States are:
The tariff threatens to disrupt complex global supply chains and diplomatic relationships, as these countries are forced to choose between access to the U.S. market and maintaining trade with Iran.
The announcement lacked essential operational clarity. President Trump offered no details on enforcement, how “doing business with Iran” would be defined or monitored, or whether humanitarian items such as food and medicine or strategic goods would be exempt. The missing details have triggered uncertainty for international governments and companies.
Despite the aggressive economic move, Trump indicated diplomatic channels remain open. He told reporters on Air Force One that "Iran called, they want to negotiate," confirming earlier reports of backchannel communications. However, he cautioned, "I may have to act before then," linking potential further action—possibly military—to the ongoing protest crackdown. Iran had not immediately acknowledged Trump's latest comments but has previously warned the U.S. and Israel would be "legitimate targets" if force is used.
The order marks a strong escalation of the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. By threatening heavy penalties on trading partners, it seeks to cut off the regime’s key sources of revenue. It also acts as a political signal of Trump’s willingness to deploy U.S. economic power alone to advance foreign policy aims, even if it fuels global trade tensions.
A: According to the order, yes—if those countries continue "any and all business" with Iran. However, the specifics of what triggers the tariff and how it will be applied are undefined.
A: Trump's announcement did not mention any exemption process. This lack of clarity is a major point of concern for U.S. allies and trading partners.
A: Yes. The order intensifies economic pressure on Iran while the regime faces domestic unrest. Trump is linking the action with the possibility of military force and confirming that diplomatic talks are underway.
