US President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a new trade measure, announcing a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial relationships with Iran.
He said the decision is “effective immediately,” as anti-government demonstrations in Iran continue into a third week, driven by economic struggles and public frustration.
Trump shared the announcement on Truth Social, calling it a decisive action but offering no specifics on what qualifies as doing business with Iran.
"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," he wrote.
"This Order is final and conclusive," he added.
The White House has not clarified which imports will be most affected or how the tariffs will be enforced. Iran’s top trade partners include China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India, making the new measure potentially wide-reaching.
The announcement comes as Iran faces a growing crisis at home. Demonstrations erupted in late December after the national currency, the rial, lost value rapidly, igniting protests across Tehran and other cities.
The unrest has become a direct challenge to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reflecting public anger over mismanagement and corruption.
Trump has also suggested the United States could take military action if the situation escalates. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that all options, including air strikes, remain "on the table".
Human rights groups report alarming losses. The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency says nearly 500 protesters and 48 security officers have died, though the actual toll may be higher, according to other sources. Thousands of people have reportedly been detained.
The flow of information from Iran has been heavily restricted since Thursday evening due to an internet blackout, making independent verification difficult. The BBC and most other international news agencies cannot report from inside the country.
Trump indicated on Sunday that Iranian officials had reached out "to negotiate," but added that "we may have to act before a meeting," signaling continued pressure from Washington.
Iran’s economy has long been strained by international sanctions over its nuclear program, and the situation has worsened with government mismanagement.
On December 28,2025 shopkeepers took to the streets in protest over another sharp drop in the rial. The currency’s decline and inflation above 40 percent have driven the cost of essential goods, such as meat and cooking oil, to record highs, worsening the daily struggles of ordinary Iranians.
