On January 12, 2026, President Donald Trump declared that any country engaging in trade with Iran would incur a 25% tariff on goods imported into the United States. This announcement coincides with widespread protests in Iran, which have escalated from economic grievances to demands for the overthrow of the ruling clerical regime. Trump made the statement via social media, asserting that the order is 'final and conclusive.'

The tariffs will be paid by U.S. importers of goods from these countries, and Iran has faced extensive sanctions from the U.S. for several years. However, the White House has not provided official documentation regarding the legal authority for these tariffs or clarified whether they would apply to all of Iran's trading partners.

Iran, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), exported goods to 147 trading partners in 2022, according to the World Bank. The country has been involved in military conflicts, including a brief war with Israel last year and airstrikes on its nuclear facilities by the U.S. military. Reports indicate that the ongoing protests have resulted in at least 648 fatalities, as reported by the U.S.-based rights group HRANA.

While Trump has indicated that military action remains a possibility, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that 'diplomacy is always the first option for the president.' The proposed tariffs are expected to primarily impact China, the largest purchaser of Iranian oil, raising concerns about the stability of existing trade relations between the U.S. and China.

China's foreign ministry responded to Trump's tariff threat, emphasizing its commitment to protecting its rights and interests, asserting that there are no winners in a tariff war. Despite existing sanctions limiting U.S. trade with Iran, substantial trade continues with nations like China, India, the UAE, and the European Union.

The announcement has drawn scrutiny as the U.S. Supreme Court considers challenges to Trump's trade policies, which have included tariffs against various nations over their relations with U.S. adversaries. As the situation in Iran continues to evolve, the implications of these tariffs on humanitarian conditions and international relations remain a critical concern.