US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order threatening to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran.
The order, issued on Friday, does not specify the rate that could be imposed, but uses 25% as an example. It states that the tariff could apply to goods imported into the US from any nation that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran.
While Trump has not directly commented on the order, he reiterated a stance of ensuring no nuclear weapons for Iran during a speech from Air Force One.
This executive action follows recent talks between US and Iranian officials in Oman, amid rising threats from both sides. Earlier this year, Trump had threatened a similar tariff in a social media post, emphasizing that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on all related transactions with the US.
The White House has articulated that this order reinforces the ongoing national emergency concerning Iran. It characterized Iran’s actions, notably its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism, as detrimental to American security and interests.
Moreover, the U.S. State Department also imposed sanctions on 15 entities involved in trading Iranian crude oil and petrochemical products on the same day.
Amidst these developments, the Iranian government has consistently denied any allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Despite extensive sanctions already in place, Iran maintains trade relations with numerous countries, including China which remains its largest trading partner.
