January 13, 2026 08:07 AM IST
First published on: Jan 13, 2026 at 05:26 AM IST
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President Donald Trump waves after arriving on Air Force One from Florida, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
US President Donald Trump has announced 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran, effective immediately, aiming to pressure Tehran over its violent protest crackdown that has left nearly 600 dead.
Trump stated that Iran is approaching a “redline” and his administration is considering “very strong options,” including potential military action, if Iran continues using deadly force against protesters.
Following the White House comments, Trump posted on Truth Social that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States.
“Effective immediately, 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,” Trump wrote.
International sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme have had a severe impact on the country’s economy, which has also been weakened by government mismanagement and corruption.
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Speaking to Fox News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said diplomacy remained Trump’s preferred option but warned that the use of force had not been ruled out.
“He is unafraid to use the lethal force and might of the United States military if and when he deems that necessary,” Leavitt said.
She added that airstrikes were among “many, many options” available to the US president.
White House cites past US strikes
Leavitt referred to US strikes carried out last year on Iran’s three main nuclear sites. Satellite images later suggested the damage was more limited than Trump had claimed at the time.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters at the White House, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo)
“Nobody knows that better than Iran,” she said, when asked about Trump’s willingness to use force.
Iran is facing its largest wave of protests since 2009. The demonstrations began more than two weeks ago after traders in Tehran protested against the sharp fall in the Iranian rial. The unrest has since spread nationwide and turned into direct challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership.
Authorities have responded with mass arrests, internet shutdowns and warnings that protesters could face the death penalty.
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On Monday, tens of thousands of pro-government supporters gathered in Tehran for a state-organised rally aimed at showing support for the regime.
Rising death toll and arrests
Videos shared online show bodies lined up outside a morgue in Tehran. The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights said at least 648 people have been killed during the protests.
Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris. (Photo: AP)
Meanwhile, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that more than 10,600 people have been arrested by Iranian authorities.
Trump repeats warning to Iran
Trump has repeatedly warned Iran over its handling of the protests. Earlier this month, he said the US would intervene if Iranian officials attacked protesters.
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Last Friday, he repeated that warning, saying: “You’d better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting too”.
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President Donald Trump waves after arriving on Air Force One from Florida, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
