WASHINGTON
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply escalated pressure on Iran and its global trading partners, vowing to impose 25 percent tariffs on countries that continue doing business with Tehran, as diplomatic efforts to revive progress on Iran’s nuclear programme remain stalled.
The warning follows the signing of a new executive order that authorizes U.S. officials to prepare tariff measures against nations found to be maintaining commercial ties with Iran. While the order stops short of immediately naming specific countries or products, it lays out a legal and policy framework that could allow Washington to levy steep duties on imports from Iran’s trade partners if negotiations fail to produce results.
Trump framed the move as part of a renewed “maximum pressure” strategy, arguing that economic leverage is necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions. Speaking to reporters, he said the United States would not allow prolonged talks to become a cover for nuclear escalation, warning that the “consequences will be very steep” if diplomacy breaks down.
The tariff threat comes at a sensitive moment, as the United States and Iran have resumed indirect nuclear talks, facilitated by mediators in Oman. Officials from both sides have described the initial discussions as constructive, though they acknowledged that major gaps remain unresolved.
Washington has reiterated that any deal must place strict limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and ensure robust international oversight. Iran, for its part, insists its nuclear programme is peaceful and says negotiations should focus solely on nuclear issues, rejecting broader demands related to missiles or regional influence.
Despite the cautious optimism expressed after the latest round of talks, progress has been slow, prompting the Trump camp to emphasize economic pressure alongside diplomacy.
Under the executive order, U.S. agencies would assess which countries are maintaining trade links with Iran and determine whether tariffs potentially as high as 25 percent should be applied to their exports entering the American market. The policy is designed to discourage third-party nations from buying Iranian oil, energy products, or other goods by making access to the U.S. market more costly.
Administration officials say the approach expands on existing sanctions by targeting not only Iran, but also its economic lifelines. Critics, however, warn that such measures could strain relations with key trading partners and disrupt global supply chains.
The announcement has drawn concern from several countries that maintain limited but ongoing trade with Iran. Analysts note that major economies in Asia and the Middle East could be forced to choose between preserving access to the U.S. market and sustaining ties with Tehran.
In Iran, officials have condemned the threat as economic coercion. Hard-line voices in Tehran have warned that increased pressure could provoke retaliation, while reiterating that Iran will not negotiate under what it describes as intimidation.
Regional tensions have also been rising. The United States has maintained a visible military presence in the Middle East, and Iran has warned that any direct military action would be met with a response targeting U.S. interests in the region.
Supporters of the tariff threat argue it strengthens Washington’s hand at the negotiating table, increasing the cost of delay for Iran and its partners. Opponents counter that escalating economic pressure risks undermining diplomatic momentum and could harden positions on all sides.
As talks continue, Trump’s 25 percent tariff warning underscores the high-stakes nature of the standoff. Whether the threat becomes a bargaining tool or a trigger for broader economic confrontation may depend on whether diplomacy can break the current nuclear deadlock in the weeks ahead.
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