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 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.
Trump has not directly commented on the order but reiterated no nuclear weapons for Iran when speaking from Air Force One on Friday night. This announcement follows discussions between senior US and Iranian officials in Oman amid escalating threats from both sides.
Earlier this year, Trump had indicated a potential 25% tariff on countries conducting business with Iran through a post on Truth Social, stating: Any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. At that time, no further detail was provided on how these tariffs would function in practice.
The White House confirmed that this executive order reaffirmed an ongoing national emergency with respect to Iran and noted that the president may revisit it as circumstances change. The order expresses that Trump holds Iran accountable for its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, and actions that destabilize the region.
In parallel, the US State Department announced sanctions against 15 entities connected to the trade of Iranian crude oil and petrochemical products.
Despite existing sanctions, over 100 countries still trade with Iran, primarily China, which imported more than $14 billion of Iranian goods last year.
Trump emphasized the necessity for Iran to negotiate a deal regarding its nuclear program, expressing the belief that Iran is eager to reach an agreement to avoid severe consequences.
The negotiations, mediated by Oman, mark the first significant talks since the US bombed Iran's nuclear facilities last June, reflecting the ongoing complexities of US-Iran relations.
