Trump Signs Executive Order on Tariffs for Countries Trading with Iran
US President Donald Trump announced the possibility of imposing additional tariffs on countries that continue to engage in trade with Iran, through an executive order signed on Friday.
The order does not specify the exact tariff rate to be imposed but cites 25% as an example. It states that tariffs would apply to goods imported into the US from any country that "directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran."
While Trump has not made direct comments on the executive order, he reiterated his stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons during remarks from Air Force One on Friday night.
Context of Ongoing US-Iran Talks in Oman
This executive order comes amid ongoing discussions between senior US and Iranian officials in Oman, following several weeks marked by threats from both sides.
Earlier this year, Trump threatened a 25% tariff on countries conducting business with Iran in a post on Truth Social.
On 12 January, he stated:
"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."
At that time, no further details were provided regarding the implementation of these tariffs.
White House Statement on the Executive Order
The White House clarified that the latest executive order reaffirms the "ongoing national emergency with respect to Iran" and noted that the president may adjust the order if circumstances change.
The statement read:
"The President is holding Iran accountable for its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and regional destabilization that endanger American security, allies, and interests."
There has been no immediate response from Iran regarding the executive order.
Details of the Talks in Oman
The talks, which began in Oman on Friday, represent the first official engagement between US and Iranian officials since last June, when the US bombed Iran's three main nuclear facilities.
The Iranian delegation was led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Speaking to reporters onboard Air Force One, Trump described the talks as "very good," adding that Iran "looks like it wants to make a deal very badly."
"If they don't make a deal, the consequences are very steep,"
the president said, also noting that another meeting was planned for early next week.
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who mediated the discussions, commented that the talks had been "useful to clarify both Iranian and American thinking and identify areas for possible progress."
In a statement posted on X, Abbas Araghchi described the talks as "a good start," noting that a "positive atmosphere prevailed." He added that negotiators had returned to their respective capitals for consultations.
Rising Tensions and Military Presence
Heightened tensions between the US and Iran have raised concerns about potential conflict. Trump recently declared that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be "very worried," as stated on Wednesday.
The president has indicated his willingness to strike Iran if it refuses to reach an agreement on its nuclear program.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and has repeatedly denied US and allied accusations that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons.
The US has also increased its military presence in the region, including what Trump describes as a "massive armada," in response to Iran's violent suppression of nationwide anti-government protests last month.
Human rights organizations report that thousands of people were killed during the crackdown, although the full extent remains unclear due to internet restrictions imposed by the Iranian government since 8 January.
