The United States has significantly escalated economic pressure on Iran amid ongoing nationwide unrest by announcing a punitive trade measure targeting third-party countries. Former US President Donald Trump declared that any country continuing trade relations with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on trade with the United States. The announcement was made through a social media post and is said to take effect immediately, though no formal documentation has yet been released by the White House. The decision comes at a time when Iran has been witnessing intense anti-government protests for over two weeks, with reports suggesting that more than 600 people have been killed during crackdowns by Iranian authorities. The US has already imposed strict economic sanctions on Tehran, and this latest tariff move is being viewed as a strategic attempt to further isolate Iran on the global stage. Analysts believe the measure could impact countries such as China, India, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which maintain trade ties with Iran. According to 2024–25 data, India’s total trade with Iran stands at approximately ₹14,244 crore, including exports worth ₹10,497 crore and imports of ₹3,747 crore. While Trump’s announcement did not name specific countries, the blanket nature of the tariff raises concerns about broader economic and diplomatic consequences. Iran, meanwhile, has summoned ambassadors from several Western nations, particularly European countries, defending its actions against protesters and presenting video evidence to justify its crackdown. The situation remains tense as global stakeholders closely watch Washington’s next move.


