U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Monday, January 12th that countries doing business with Iran face a 25% tariff, intensifying pressure on Tehran as widespread protests continue to sweep the country.
The new levies, described by Trump as “final and conclusive,” target Iran’s trading partners, though the president did not specify which nations would be affected. Key trading partners include China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq.
The announcement comes amid one of the most severe waves of civil unrest Iran has experienced in decades. The protests, which began over economic grievances, have rapidly expanded into nationwide demonstrations challenging the Islamic Republic’s leadership. Government authorities have blamed foreign interference for fueling the protests.
The Norway-based non-governmental organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported that at least 648 people have been killed during the protests, including nine minors, though they warn the true death toll may be far higher, with some estimates exceeding 6,000. Approximately 10,000 protesters are believed to have been detained, according to IHR.
The White House stated that while Trump remains “unafraid” to consider military action against Iran, diplomacy remains the preferred initial approach.
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