US President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on any country conducting business with Iran, escalating pressure as rights groups report a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests.
In a social media post on Monday, Trump declared the levies would “immediately” target Iran’s trading partners who also maintain business ties with the United States, calling the order “final and conclusive” without naming specific countries. Iran’s key trading partners include China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq, according to Trading Economics.
The announcement comes as Iran faces its largest unrest in decades, with more than two weeks of demonstrations defying a near-total internet blackout and lethal government force. Initially sparked by economic grievances, the protests have grown into a significant challenge to Iran’s theocratic system established after the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported at least 648 people killed during the unrest, including nine minors, though the group warned the true toll may exceed 6,000. Approximately 10,000 arrests have been recorded. The organization criticized the internet shutdown, saying it makes independent verification of casualties “extremely difficult.”
“The international community has a duty to protect civilian protesters against mass killing by the Islamic republic,” said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam.
While Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, the White House stated he is currently pursuing diplomacy as a first resort, remaining “unafraid” of deploying force if necessary.
Iran’s leadership has sought to project control. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hailed mass pro-government rallies as evidence the protest movement was failing, calling the turnout a “warning” to the United States. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described Iran as fighting a “four-front war” — economic, psychological, military with the US and Israel, and against “terrorists,” a reference to the protests.
Despite rising tensions, Trump indicated that Iran’s leadership had reached out to negotiate. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the country is “not seeking war but is fully prepared for war,” while emphasizing the need for fair negotiations.
Meanwhile, Tehran’s state media attempted to present calm in the capital, showing normal traffic and reporting that protests were declining. National mourning has been declared for dozens of security forces killed during clashes, with funerals turning into pro-government demonstrations.
International reactions are mixed. The European Union voiced support for protesters and is “looking into” additional sanctions. The European Parliament barred Iranian diplomats from its premises. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence targeting civilians demanding their rights, while Russia criticized perceived foreign interference.
Comments