Donald Trump announces 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran

United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced a sweeping trade measure imposing a 25 per cent tariff on countries that continue to do business with Iran, escalating economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing unrest in the country.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision would take effect immediately and described the order as “final and conclusive.”

“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 per cent on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump wrote. “This order is final and conclusive.”

The announcement drew swift reactions from US lawmakers. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised the move, calling it a decisive step to economically isolate Iran’s leadership. In a post on X, Graham said Trump’s actions had strengthened pressure on the Iranian regime and signalled US support for protesters opposing the government.

The tariff announcement comes amid widespread protests across several Iranian provinces, including Azerbaijan province and the central city of Arak. According to Iranian state media outlet Press TV, demonstrations and counter-demonstrations have continued in recent days amid rising inflation, economic hardship and public anger over governance.

Human rights groups claim that at least 544 people have been killed and more than 10,600 arrested during the crackdown on protests, with detainees transferred to prisons across the country.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump said Iran had reached out to Washington seeking negotiations, even as he warned that the US could be forced to take action if the situation worsened.

“They do. They called. Iran called to negotiate yesterday,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “They want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States.”

Trump said discussions were underway to arrange a meeting, but cautioned that developments inside Iran could prompt Washington to act before talks materialise.

Read Also : Himachal Pradesh : 8.42 lakh persons receiving social security pension in state