In a bold move yesterday, US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on any country trading with Iran, escalating pressure on Tehran in response to its violent crackdown on nationwide protests.
“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a 25 per cent tariff on all business with the United States. This order is final and conclusive,” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Iran’s key trading partners include China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq, according to Trading Economics. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the protests, which rights groups say have led to a rising death toll.
While Trump weighs possible military action against Iran, including air strikes, the White House emphasized that diplomatic avenues remain open. “Air strikes would be one of the many, many options on the table,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. She also noted that Iran has been communicating through Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, showing a more conciliatory tone privately than publicly.
For ordinary citizens watching from home, the news is a sobering reminder of how international politics can ripple into everyday life. Families, students, and businesses everywhere are indirectly affected by such high-stakes decisions, underscoring the human side behind every headline.
