Aboard Air Force One on January 11, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the immediate imposition of a comprehensive 25% tariff on all nations maintaining commercial relations with Iran. This decisive economic measure represents a significant escalation in U.S. pressure against Tehran as anti-government demonstrations continue into their third consecutive week.
President Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to declare the tariff enforcement “effective immediately,” though the administration provided no specific criteria defining what constitutes “doing business” with Iran. The presidential order stated unequivocally that “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,” adding that “This Order is final and conclusive.
The White House, through spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, declined to elaborate on implementation details or identify which trading partners would be most severely affected. China, Iran’s largest trading partner, appears particularly vulnerable to these measures, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India.
This economic offensive follows Trump’s earlier warnings of potential military intervention should Iranian authorities respond with lethal force against protesters. Leavitt confirmed that military options, including targeted airstrikes, remain “on the table” as viable contingencies.
The current wave of civil unrest began in late December, triggered by widespread anger over the catastrophic collapse of Iran’s national currency. The protests have evolved into a profound challenge to the legitimacy of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s government.
According to documentation from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), the conflict has resulted in nearly 500 protester fatalities and 48 security personnel deaths, with thousands more detained. Independent sources suggest the actual casualty figures may substantially exceed these verified numbers.
In a notable development, Trump revealed that Iranian officials had attempted to initiate negotiations, though he emphasized that the United States “may have to act before a meeting” given the urgency of the situation.