Trump allows tariffs on countries trading with Iran
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has authorized his administration to impose tariffs on goods from countries doing business with Russia but has refrained from implementing the measures immediately, according to the White House and Bloomberg.
Read also: Trump says new US airstrikes on Iran are still on the table
On February 6, Trump signed an executive order allowing the US to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly buys, imports, or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran.
Under the order, the Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the US Trade Representative and the Department of Homeland Security, can determine the extent of any additional tariff.
Trump did not specify the exact rate but cited a possible ad valorem tariff as an example, potentially 25% on goods imported into the US from countries trading with Iran.
"Starting from the effective date of this order, imported goods from any country that directly or indirectly buys, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran may be subject to an additional ad valorem tariff, for example, 25%," the order states.
US–Iran relations
On Friday morning in Oman, the first in-person talks between Iran and the US took place, aimed at reducing tensions and preventing military conflict.
The recent unrest in Iran stems from weeks of mass protests. Initially triggered by a currency crisis and worsening economic conditions, the demonstrations increasingly targeted the regime, posing the biggest challenge to Iran’s ruling system since 1979.
Trump has expressed support for the protesters and warned of strikes if Iranian leaders continue to violently suppress dissent.
Earlier in January, the US president welcomed Iran’s decision to halt executions of prisoners, which likely helped prevent an escalation.
Meanwhile, a major US Navy strike group has arrived in the region in case of any military confrontation.
Additionally, the US virtual embassy in Tehran once again urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately.
According to The National, the Trump administration is reportedly working on plans to establish a temporary government in Iran if the current authorities lose the ability to govern.
