Washington, Jan 13 (UNI) United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced the imposition of 25 percent tariffs on countries that continue to do business with Iran, as anti-government protests persist across the country.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that the decision would take effect “immediately” and emphasised that the “order is final and conclusive.”
“Effective 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,” Trump said in his post.
Trump has repeatedly warned that the US could be forced to take action against Iran as nationwide protests continue, even as he disclosed that Tehran has reached out to Washington to seek negotiations.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iranian leaders had contacted Washington to discuss diplomatic engagement.
Asked if Iran was seeking negotiations, Trump said it was, adding, “They do. They called. Iran called to negotiate yesterday. The leaders of Iran called. They want to negotiate. I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States. Iran wants to negotiate.”
The US president added that while a meeting was in the process of being arranged, developments on the ground could force Washington to act before talks take place.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised Trump’s decision to impose the 25 percent tariffs, calling the move to economically isolate Iran’s leadership “most impressive.”
Sharing a post on X, Graham wrote, “Mr President: your decisive leadership in isolating this regime economically through your actions today are most impressive. Your promise to have the protestors’ back and put the regime on notice that you will not tolerate the killing has led to the largest outpouring of demonstrators against this fanatical regime since its founding. Mr President: I believe the Iranian regime has crossed red lines. They are killing their people in large numbers and mocking your leadership. It is now time to take decisive military action — no boots on the ground – going after those who do the killing.”
Trump’s decision could have significant implications for India, which maintains substantial trade ties with Iran through both exports and imports.
India already faces a 50 pc tariff on its exports to the United States, 25 percent of which Washington attributes to India’s purchase of Russian oil, an activity the US says helps fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
India and Iran are key trade partners, with India ranking among Iran’s five largest trading partners in recent years.
The announcement comes as the death toll from Iran’s nationwide protests has climbed to at least 646 people, according to activists US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
UNI AAB