Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order authorising punitive tariffs against countries that continue commercial dealings with Iran, signalling a tougher economic stance as Washington renews diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

The directive empowers the US government to impose import duties on goods entering the American market from countries that directly or indirectly buy Iranian products or services. While the tariff rate will be set by the Secretary of State, the order points to 25 per cent as a possible benchmark.

The move follows recent indirect discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme and comes amid rising military tension in the Middle East, including an expanded US naval presence in the region.

Several economies could be affected by the policy, including Russia, Germany, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, all of which maintain trade links with Iran. China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than a quarter of its total trade volume.

Trump said further talks with Tehran were planned, but made it clear that economic pressure would remain a core element of US strategy. The order establishes a mechanism rather than immediate penalties, leaving room for diplomatic manoeuvre while keeping the threat of tariffs active.

If enforced, the measures could strain US relations with key trading partners and add volatility to global trade flows.