Translated with AI
US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25 percent tariffs on all countries trading with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The head of state announced this on the evening of January 12 on his social media account, Truth Social.
According to the president's announcement, effective immediately, every country doing business with Iran will be required to pay a 25% tariff on all transactions involving the United States. Donald Trump emphasized that this order is final and not subject to appeal.
According to Bloomberg, Iran's key trading partners include India, China, and Turkey. This isn't the first time Trump has used such economic pressure: previously, as part of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, the US president imposed 50 percent tariffs on goods from India, which purchased Russian oil.
Donald Trump previously announced his intention to support protesters in Iran, where authorities are harshly suppressing mass demonstrations. "The military is reviewing the situation, and we're considering some very strong options," the president told reporters, noting that he is in contact with Iranian opposition leaders. According to Trump's press secretary, Caroline Levitt, the US president is considering any action against Iran, including airstrikes, but prefers diplomatic approaches first.
On January 11, Trump announced that Iran's leadership had contacted him with a request for talks. "Iran's leaders have called… They want to negotiate," the president said aboard Air Force One, adding that a meeting was planned, but that U.S. action could be taken before it took place. Tehran has not yet commented on the president's statements.
Mass protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025. The events were sparked by public discontent with the brutal actions of security forces. According to the human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHR), as of the evening of January 12, at least 648 people, including nine minors, had been killed in the crackdown on the protests. Some estimates put the death toll at over 6,000. Around 10,000 people were arrested during the protests.
Despite strict measures and internet shutdowns, thousands of Iranians continue to take to the streets of Tehran and other major cities. Demonstrators bang pots and chant slogans, including "Death to Khamenei," addressing their demands to the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Earlier, on January 2, Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the United States would intervene if security forces fired on peaceful protesters, emphasizing the US readiness to use all possible measures to protect civilians.
