Washington, DC – In an escalation described as an “economic earthquake,” US President Donald Trump announced unprecedented trade restrictions aimed at crippling the Iranian economy. He also threatened tariffs against any country, whether an ally or an adversary, that continues to trade with the Islamic Republic.
“A final and definitive decision” via Truth Social
As is his custom when making major decisions, Trump chose his “Truth Social” platform to announce his new strategy. He emphasized that this approach represents a cornerstone of his administration’s maximum pressure campaign, writing:
“From now on, any country that does business with the Islamic Republic will be required to pay a 25% tariff on any trade it conducts with the United States of America.”
Observers described the decision as “final and definitive,” leaving no room for political maneuvering and placing international trade on a direct collision course with the US administration.
Isolating Iran: The difficult choice
The decision clearly aims to impose economic isolation on Tehran. It presents the world with two unpalatable options: continuing trade relations with Iran, or facing the consequences of losing competitive advantage in the world’s largest market, the United States, due to exorbitant tariffs.
Or comply with the American desire and completely sever economic ties with Tehran to avoid customs sanctions.
Initial reactions
This decision is expected to anger major US trading partners, particularly in the European Union and Asia. These partners may find themselves forced to reassess their interests. They will have to choose between adhering to international agreements or yielding to mounting US pressure.
