Trump signed an executive order allowing the U.S. to impose additional import tariffs on countries still trading with Iran, impacting global trade partners connected to Iran's economy either directly or indirectly.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last Friday authorizing the U.S. to impose additional import tariffs on countries continuing to trade with Iran. Although the order does not specify exact tariff rates, it cites an example of 25% and states it would apply to goods imported into the U.S. from any country that purchases, imports, or obtains goods and services from Iran, whether directly or indirectly.
Trump has not directly commented on this order, but during an interview aboard Air Force One on Friday night, he reiterated his longstanding stance that Iran must not have nuclear weapons.
The executive order was issued as senior U.S. and Iranian officials engaged in negotiations in Oman, following weeks of harsh rhetoric exchanged between the two sides.
Earlier, Trump had threatened to impose a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. On 12 January, he posted on Truth Social stating:
"Any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will be subject to a 25% tariff on all business conducted with the United States, effective immediately."
However, at that time, details on how this measure would be practically enforced were not provided.
The White House stated that the latest executive order reaffirms the U.S. national emergency declaration concerning Iran and noted that the president may modify or adjust measures if the situation changes. So far, there has been no official response from Iran.
The talks in Oman, which began last Friday, mark the first meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials since June, when the U.S. struck three major Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. side included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the talks were going well and expressed his view that Iran "really wants to make a deal," but warned that "if they don’t, the consequences will be severe." Further negotiations are expected early next week.
Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Al Busaidi, acting as mediator, said the discussions were useful for understanding both sides’ perspectives and identifying possible paths toward progress.
Meanwhile, Araghchi posted on X that the talks were a good start, with an overall positive atmosphere, and that the delegations have now returned to their countries for internal consultations.
. . .BBC
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