On January 12, 2026, President Donald Trump declared that any country engaging in business with Iran will incur a 25% tariff on all transactions with the United States. This announcement was made via a post on Truth Social, where Trump stated that the order is 'final and conclusive.' The tariff follows Trump's comments regarding the U.S. military's consideration of 'strong options' concerning Iran, as he receives regular updates on the protests occurring within the nation.
The protests in Iran have reportedly resulted in significant casualties, with approximately 538 individuals reported dead and over 10,600 detained, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The accuracy of these figures is challenging to verify due to disruptions in internet and phone services within Iran, which hinder communication and reporting efforts.