Unverified social media announcement lacks formal policy details, raising questions over enforcement and global trade impact.
WASHINGTON — In a significant escalation of economic pressure, former President Donald Trump announced Monday that any country engaging in trade with Iran will face a 25% tariff on all business with the United States. The declaration, made via Truth Social, arrives amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran but was not accompanied by an official White House policy release or legal justification.
“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 stated, calling the order “final and conclusive.”
However, the absence of formal documentation—such as an executive order or policy memo—leaves critical questions unanswered. No information was provided regarding the legal authority for the measure, its implementation timeline, or whether it would apply universally to all of Iran’s 147 trading partners, including U.S. allies. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
The announcement intensifies the long-standing U.S. sanctions regime against Tehran, coinciding with what human rights groups describe as the deadliest wave of domestic unrest in Iran in years. Protests that began in late December over economic conditions have escalated into broad opposition to the clerical establishment, with verified fatalities exceeding 590, according to U.S.-based monitor HRANA.
While Trump has not ruled out military options, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that “diplomacy is always the first option.” Tehran, meanwhile, indicated it is maintaining communication channels with Washington.
The tariff threat aligns with Trump’s frequent use of trade penalties as a foreign policy tool, though his authority faces ongoing legal challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the scope of presidential power to impose tariffs, casting further uncertainty over the viability of this latest proclamation.
