U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries maintaining trade relations with Iran. The declaration was made on January 12 through a post on Truth Social, where Trump said the decision would take immediate effect. Analysts view the move as part of Washington’s strategy to increase pressure on Tehran as anti-government protests in Iran entered their third week.

Trump did not clarify what constitutes 'doing business with Iran,' though China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India are identified as major trading partners of the country. The White House has yet to specify which nations or products will be most affected. The announcement follows Trump’s earlier warning of possible military intervention if violence against Iranian protesters continues. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that airstrike options remain under consideration.

The protests, driven by Iran’s deepening economic crisis, have resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to human rights monitors. Internet restrictions have made it difficult to verify information from inside Iran, while Trump claimed Iranian officials have reached out for talks but warned that the U.S. may act before any meeting occurs.