US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order threatening to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran.
The order, issued on Friday, does not specify the rate that could be imposed, but uses 25% as an example. It states that the tariff could apply to goods imported into the US from any nation that 'directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran'.
Trump has not directly commented on the order but reiterated 'no nuclear weapons' for Iran when speaking from Air Force One on Friday night.
This executive action follows talks between senior US and Iranian officials in Oman, amidst an environment of heightened tension marked by several weeks of threats from both countries.
Earlier this year, Trump threatened a 25% tariff on countries involved in business with Iran in a post on Truth Social. On 12 January, he wrote, '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.'
The White House emphasized this executive order reaffirms the 'ongoing national emergency with respect to Iran' and indicated that the president might adjust the tariffs based on evolving circumstances.
In its documentation, the White House assigned accountability to Iran for its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and regional destabilization that endanger American security and interests.
On the same day, the US State Department announced sanctions against 15 entities trading in Iranian-origin crude oil, petroleum products, or petrochemical products.
Despite these sanctions, Iran maintains trade relations with over 100 countries, with China being its largest export partner. Iranian exports to China exceeded $14 billion in the year ending October 2025. Following China, Iraq and Turkey are other significant trading partners.
Discussions in Oman mark the first constructive dialogue since the US airstrikes on Iran's key nuclear sites last June, mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Both sides declared the meetings a 'good start', emphasizing the need for consultation before proceeding.
Fears persist that rising tensions between the US and Iran could lead to conflict, with Trump indicating that severe repercussions would follow if no deal is reached on Iran's nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to assert that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, refuting the US allegations of malicious intent. The geopolitical landscape remains charged as the US reinforces its military presence in the region amidst incidents of human rights violations in Iran.
