The United States will impose a 25% tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran, President Donald Trump announced, as unrest escalates inside the country and Washington weighs its next steps.<\/p>\n
According to two US Department of Defense officials cited by BBC News, President Trump has been briefed on a range of military and non-military options<\/a> related to Iran. These include long-range missile strikes, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns, although no decision has been announced. The sources said that any potential military response would likely rely primarily on air power, while also considering ways to disrupt Iranian command structures and communications.<\/p>\n The tariff announcement was made on Jan. 12 through Trump\u2019s Truth Social platform<\/a>. \u201cEffective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive. Thank you for your attention to this matter!\u201d<\/p>\n The measure adds pressure to Iran\u2019s economy, which has been weakened by existing US sanctions, a sharply depreciating currency, and rising inflation. Food prices have reportedly increased by as much as 70%, and food accounts for roughly one-third of Iran\u2019s imports. Analysts note that additional trade restrictions could further strain supply chains and household purchasing power.<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s foreign minister said Tehran remains open to dialogue with Washington but is also \u201cprepared for war.\u201d White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said an Iranian official had contacted Trump\u2019s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, adding that Iran\u2019s public statements differ from private communications. She warned, however, that the president is \u201cunafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Trump previously said the US military was evaluating \u201cvery strong options\u201d if further protesters were killed. He also stated that Iranian leaders had reached out \u201cto negotiate,\u201d but added that the United States \u201cmay have to act before a meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n Trump\u2019s national security team is expected to meet at the White House to review next steps, though it remains unclear whether the president will attend. The US has also urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country or prepare an exit plan that does not rely on US government assistance.<\/p>\n Domestically, unrest inside Iran has intensified following weeks of anti-government protests driven by economic hardship and dissatisfaction with political leadership. Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reports that at least 648 protesters have been killed, including nine minors, though sources inside the country have suggested the actual number may be significantly higher. HRNGO said unverified reports could place the death toll above 6,000.<\/p>\n China and Other Asian Countries React to US Tariff Threats<\/p>\n China, Iran\u2019s largest trading partner, has warned that it will respond if the United States implements the newly announced tariffs. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington stated that Beijing would take \u201call necessary measures\u201d to safeguard its interests,<\/a> signaling potential retaliation. In 2024, China purchased 77% of Iran\u2019s oil exports, according to Kpler.<\/p>\n Liu Pengyu, the embassy spokesperson, wrote on X: \u201cTariff wars and trade wars have no winners, and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems. Protectionism harms the interests of all parties.\u201d<\/p>\n Other major Asian trading partners of Iran include India, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and South Korea. Japan and South Korea recently finalized free trade agreements with the United States following earlier tariff disputes. While both countries now maintain a baseline 15% tariff under these agreements, the new US measure could create additional complications for trade flows.<\/p>\n Experts note that it remains unclear how the 25% tariff on \u201cany and all business being done with the United States of America\u201d will be applied, and whether it would be layered on top of existing US \u201creciprocal\u201d import taxes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Currently, China faces a 45% tariff on most goods, while India\u2019s tariffs on certain imports, including Russian oil, stand at 40%. The measure could therefore have broad implications for countries with significant commercial ties to Iran, potentially disrupting regional trade networks and creating further economic uncertainty.<\/p>\n Past Interventions of the United States, Warnings<\/p>\n On Jan. 3, 2026, US forces carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, that involved air strikes and special forces to capture President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro<\/a> and his wife, Cilia Flores. More than 150 US aircraft struck targets in and around Caracas overnight, overwhelming air defenses and enabling troops to seize Maduro and Flores and transport them to the United States to face longstanding criminal charges. The mission marked a significant escalation in US involvement in Venezuela\u2019s political crisis and has drawn widespread international criticism.<\/p>\n