US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States will impose an immediate 25 percent tariff on any country conducting business with Iran, escalating pressure on the Islamic Republic as reports indicate a deadly crackdown on protests has killed at least 648 people.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated the tariff would apply “effective immediately” to all business conducted with the United States by nations that maintain commercial ties with Iran. “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,” Trump wrote. “This Order is final and conclusive.”
The move has the potential to disrupt major US trading relationships globally, as Iran’s partners include not only regional states but also large economies such as India, Turkey, China, and the UAE. Trump provided no details on enforcement, which specific countries would be affected, or whether exemptions would be granted for humanitarian or strategic trade.
The decision comes amid escalating unrest in Iran. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group reported at least 648 people have been killed in a violent crackdown on weeks of nationwide demonstrations. Iranian authorities have not issued an official death toll. Tehran has blamed the bloodshed on foreign interference, accusing the United States and Israel of backing what it describes as terrorist elements, while state media has largely focused coverage on the deaths of security personnel.
Graham Urges Military Action Against Iranian Leadership
US Senator Lindsey Graham, in a social media post addressed to Donald Trump, suggested the administration take military action targeting Iran’s leadership. Graham praised the economic pressure campaign, stating it had helped fuel widespread demonstrations.
“Mr. President: your decisive leadership in isolating this regime economically through your actions today are most impressive,” Graham wrote. He argued that Iran’s leadership had crossed “red lines,” urging, “It is now time to take decisive military action no boots on the ground going after those who do the killing.” He ended the post with the phrase, “Make Iran Great Again.”
White House Emphasizes Diplomacy Remains Option
Despite the hardening rhetoric, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that diplomacy remains Washington’s preferred course. “Diplomacy is always the first option for the president,” Leavitt told reporters on Monday. She added, “What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately.”
Trump has indicated diplomatic engagement remains possible, stating on Sunday that the US may meet Iranian officials and that he has been in contact with Iran’s opposition, even as he warned of potential military action.
Read More: Iran Protest Death Toll Nears 650 as Supreme Leader Warns US Against Intervention
Tehran Confirms Communication Channels Open
Iranian officials have confirmed that communication channels with Washington remain open. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reported that Tehran is studying proposals offered by the US, though he criticized US threats. “Communications between (US special envoy) Steve Witkoff and me continued before and after the protests and are still ongoing,” Araqchi told Al Jazeera. He added that Washington’s ideas were “incompatible” with the pressure being applied.
Iran’s leadership, facing one of the most serious internal challenges since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, sees its regional influence weakened in recent years. As protests continue, the standoff between the United States and Iran is expected to escalate further in the coming days.
With inputs from agencies
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