US President Donald Trump announced a new 25% tariff on any trade with Iran, claiming it is "final and conclusive" and will be enforced immediately. The move is seen as a further escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, amid widespread antigovernment protests in Tehran.
Without specifying which countries might be affected, Trump stated that any nation doing business with Iran would face the tariffs. Major economies like Russia, China, Brazil, and Turkey all trade with Iran, making them potential targets for the new measure.
Trump has been increasing pressure on Iran, threatening military strikes if the country fails to comply with US demands to dismantle its nuclear and military programs. He recently stated that the US would "knock them down" if Iran attempts to build up its capabilities again.
Critics argue that Trump's actions, including airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in 2021, may violate international law. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president remains open to diplomacy, but emphasized the need for action should Iran crack down on peaceful protesters.
The US has been monitoring the situation closely, with hundreds of people reportedly killed in protests since mid-December. However, an internet blackout in Iran restricts access to information, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the crisis.
Trump's statement on tariffs comes as tensions between the US and Iran reach a boiling point. Human rights groups have warned that the situation could spiral out of control, while the US continues to weigh its options for responding to the crisis in Tehran.
Without specifying which countries might be affected, Trump stated that any nation doing business with Iran would face the tariffs. Major economies like Russia, China, Brazil, and Turkey all trade with Iran, making them potential targets for the new measure.
Trump has been increasing pressure on Iran, threatening military strikes if the country fails to comply with US demands to dismantle its nuclear and military programs. He recently stated that the US would "knock them down" if Iran attempts to build up its capabilities again.
Critics argue that Trump's actions, including airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in 2021, may violate international law. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president remains open to diplomacy, but emphasized the need for action should Iran crack down on peaceful protesters.
The US has been monitoring the situation closely, with hundreds of people reportedly killed in protests since mid-December. However, an internet blackout in Iran restricts access to information, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the crisis.
Trump's statement on tariffs comes as tensions between the US and Iran reach a boiling point. Human rights groups have warned that the situation could spiral out of control, while the US continues to weigh its options for responding to the crisis in Tehran.