Iran Update: New 25% Linked US Tariffs & Shipping Threats
US President Trump has unveiled a a 25% tariff on goods from countries that continue to maintain commercial relations with Iran. The measure was declared “effective immediately” in a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he said the decision was “final and conclusive.”
It remains unclear which countries will be directly affected. Iran’s biggest trading partner is China, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and India, suggesting that several major economies could potentially be impacted.
The announcement comes at a delicate time for the administration, with the world awaiting a US Supreme Court ruling on whether Trump’s so-called Liberation Day tariffs are unlawful. Many legal analysts expect the court to issue its decision this week, heightening uncertainty across global trade markets.
Relations with Tehran are also worsening on the security front. Iran has warned that any US military strike would make American and Israeli “shipping centres” legitimate targets. The warning was issued by Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, after Trump said the United States would take action if protesters were killed.
According to US media, Trump was briefed over the weekend on potential military strike options as protests in Iran entered a third straight week. While the president said Iran’s crackdown was “starting to” cross his red line, the White House has emphasised that no final decision has been taken and that diplomatic avenues remain open.
