Trump tariff targets Iran trade with 25% US import penalty

Published: 13 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Donald Trump announced that any country doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on US trade, escalating tensions amid the country’s largest anti-government protests in years. The Trump tariff, declared on Truth Social, applies immediately to nations engaging economically with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The former president’s statement did not provide legal details, leaving trading partners uncertain about potential consequences. Top destinations for Iranian goods, including China, India, and the United Arab Emirates, may now face economic repercussions due to the Trump tariff.

No official White House release accompanied Trump’s statement, and authorities did not clarify whether the tariffs would target every Iranian trade partner. Meanwhile, China strongly opposed unilateral measures, condemning coercive sanctions and emphasising the need to safeguard legitimate national interests. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington stressed that trade wars yield no winners and warned against arbitrary tariffs harming global commerce. These concerns are amplified by the Trump tariff, which analysts see as an aggressive economic strategy.

Iran is experiencing widespread anti-government protests, intensified by last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel and US military strikes against nuclear sites in June. Tehran reported ongoing communications with Washington, suggesting potential dialogue despite the escalating tension. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said military options, including airstrikes, remain under consideration, though diplomacy is prioritised. Leavitt added that public statements from Iranian authorities differ from private messages received by the US, indicating a complex landscape for negotiations in the shadow of the Trump tariff.

Large state-backed rallies also occurred in Tehran, showing support for the Iranian regime amid the anti-government demonstrations. Internet blackouts and disrupted communications made it difficult to verify attendance numbers from abroad, though reports indicated restored mobile phone service allowed some international connectivity. Human rights organisations documented at least 648 deaths in recent clashes and over 10,600 arrests, underscoring the violent nature of the crackdown. The Iranian government has yet to release comprehensive casualty figures, while France evacuated non-essential embassy personnel to prioritise safety.

Protests in Iran began over economic hardship but rapidly shifted into broader anti-regime demonstrations, challenging the entrenched clerical leadership. Security forces have responded harshly, employing mass arrests, internet restrictions, and warnings that involvement could carry capital punishment. International observers and media have raised alarm over the scale of the repression, reflecting a deteriorating human rights situation amid the geopolitical confrontation and the Trump tariff’s looming threat.

Trump’s tariff adds another layer of complexity, potentially destabilising global trade. Countries that previously engaged in commerce with Iran now face difficult choices, weighing economic consequences against strategic relations with the United States. Analysts note that the Trump tariff could reshape regional trade patterns, especially for China, India, and the UAE, who rely on Iranian exports for energy and raw materials. The measure demonstrates Trump’s strategy of economic coercion, echoing prior approaches in his presidency that leveraged trade for political objectives.

Economists warn that a 25% US tariff on Iranian-trading nations could ripple through international markets, affecting supply chains and commodity prices. While Trump frames the measure as a tool to pressure Tehran, it also carries risks of retaliatory actions from affected countries. Chinese officials have already voiced opposition, indicating potential economic friction with Washington if the Trump tariff is enforced. European observers are similarly cautious, monitoring the situation as trade sanctions may conflict with existing multilateral agreements.

Diplomacy remains a potential avenue, with Trump reportedly engaging with Iranian opposition groups while signalling readiness for talks. Experts suggest that balancing economic pressure with dialogue could influence outcomes in Iran, where domestic unrest has undermined regime credibility. Nevertheless, the Trump tariff signals a hardline stance from the US, reinforcing uncertainties for global commerce and regional security.

The unfolding scenario highlights how international politics, economic sanctions, and domestic unrest intersect, creating a volatile environment for both Iran and global trade partners. Observers anticipate that further US actions may provoke reactions from China, India, and the UAE, complicating existing diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Iran demands urgent attention as protesters face severe crackdowns and mounting casualties. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the Trump tariff functions as leverage or exacerbates tensions, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

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