Trump : declares a 25% increase in tariffs on commerce with Iran

Trump: US President Donald Trump signaled a harder stance against Tehran and its foreign allies on Monday when he stated that nations conducting business with Iran would be subject to an extra 25% tax on commerce with the US.

This means that all of India’s exports to the US would be subject to a hefty 75% tax, which might have a negative effect on Indian companies.

In a social media post, Trump said, “Any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 percent on any and all business being done with the United States of America, effective immediately.”

He went on, “This Order is final and conclusive.” “I appreciate your consideration of this issue!”

The statement did not specify which industries would be impacted or how the tax would be implemented.

As demonstrations continue throughout the nation and backchannel talks indicate a new tone from Tehran, the White House earlier in the day said that Trump is seeking diplomatic engagement with Iran while keeping military options firmly on the table.

The President’s goal is still to stop further bloodshed while evaluating Iranian officials’ private engagement, according to White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt.

During a press conference at the White House, Leavitt told reporters, “He definitely doesn’t want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran, and unfortunately, that’s something we’re seeing right now.”

When asked whether the administration is still aiming for total denuclearization, Leavitt emphasized the President’s adaptability and willingness to escalate if needed, but he did not specify any parameters.

“Airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the Commander in Chief, and President Trump is very good at keeping all of his options on the table,” she said.

She also emphasized that the administration’s primary strategy is still diplomacy.

Leavitt said that the president’s first choice is always diplomacy, noting that the regime’s public statements and the private communications it receives from Iran are different.

“The messages the administration is receiving in private differ significantly from what you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime, and I believe the President is interested in investigating those messages,” she said.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff remains a key figure in Iran negotiations, according to Leavitt.

“I am aware that Steve Witkoff will remain a crucial figure in Iran-related diplomacy,” she said.

She also emphasized that Tehran is aware of the President’s prior behavior and his readiness to take decisive action.

Having said that, Leavitt said, “No one knows that better than Iranians: the President has demonstrated that he is not afraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary.”

The remarks coincide with increased tensions after Iran’s upheaval and fresh criticism of US policy toward the Islamic Republic.