Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, asserting its full military preparedness should Washington choose to escalate tensions through armed conflict. The declaration comes as President Donald Trump implemented immediate 25% tariffs on nations conducting business with Iran, significantly heightening economic pressure on the Middle Eastern nation.
Global oil markets reacted swiftly to the escalating geopolitical tensions, with prices climbing Tuesday as traders responded to potential disruptions from Iran, which contributes approximately 3% of worldwide oil production. The economic measures coincide with heightened security concerns, prompting the virtual US embassy to urgently advise American citizens to immediately depart Iran via land routes to Armenia or Türkiye.
Chinese officials condemned the US tariff strategy, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasizing during a Beijing briefing that “tariff wars have no winners” while reaffirming China’s commitment to protecting its legitimate interests and citizens abroad. China further expressed opposition to external interference in Iran’s internal affairs and called for peaceful resolution mechanisms.
The Trump administration’s economic offensive follows Sunday’s revelation that military options are under active consideration against Iran, including potential airstrikes. The New York Times reported Pentagon officials presenting expanded strike options targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and ballistic missile facilities, though cyber operations remain a more probable initial response.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed in an Al Jazeera interview that diplomatic channels remain open despite the tensions, noting continued communication with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff regarding nuclear negotiations. However, Araghchi questioned Washington’s commitment to equitable dialogue given simultaneous military threats.
The geopolitical standoff unfolds against Iran’s domestic turmoil, where December protests over economic conditions resulted in significant casualties. Iranian state media reported massive pro-government demonstrations Monday in Tehran and other cities, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claiming these rallies successfully countered foreign-backed destabilization efforts.