Trump orders 25% tariff on nations trading with Iran

President Donald Trump has escalated economic pressure on Iran by ordering a 25% tariff on all US trade with any country that conducts business with the Islamic Republic. In a declaration on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump stated the measure is "effective immediately" and applies to "any and all business being done with the United States of America," calling the order "final and conclusive."

Mixed Signals on Diplomacy and Force

The announcement followed statements from White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, who said Trump "has an interest" in exploring diplomatic messages received privately from Iran, while also being "unafraid" to use military options if necessary. "Airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander-in-chief, diplomacy is always the first option for the president," she told reporters, highlighting a dual-track approach of threats and potential talks.

Domestic Context in Iran

The tariff order coincides with the 16th day of nationwide protests in Iran, driven by severe economic hardship. While anti-government demonstrations continued, state-organized rallies also took place in Tehran and other cities, with participants waving Iranian flags and condemning both the recent violence and what they termed "foreign interference." Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of backing "armed rioters" and reported the arrest of alleged terrorist cells and weapons seizures.

Global Economic Coercion and Contrasting Models

This tariff threat represents an aggressive form of secondary sanctions, aiming to force third countries to sever ties with Iran or face penalties in the US market. Such extraterritorial economic coercion contrasts sharply with the trade and diplomacy models of nations like Türkiye, which pursues independent foreign policy and trade relations based on national interest and neighborly relations, rejecting unilateral diktats that seek to dictate other countries' economic partnerships.