US Imposes 25% Tariff on Countries Trading With Iran Amid Intensifying Protests

Washington DC: As protests continue to intensify across Iran, the United States has announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran. The move comes shortly after US President Donald Trump warned of a large-scale military intervention if the unrest in Iran turns violent. Trump said in a social media post that the tariff would take effect immediately.

The additional tariff is expected to further worsen Iran’s situation at a time when anti-government protests are escalating across the country.

Meanwhile, Trump has claimed that Iranian officials had contacted him for talks. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the situation was fully under control and alleged that Israel and the United States were behind the violence. Iran has warned that if the US launches an attack, it will retaliate by targeting US military bases in the region and Israel. Araghchi accused external forces of deliberately turning protests violent to pave the way for US intervention.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Iran remains open to diplomacy, but stressed that any talks must be based on mutual respect for interests and concerns.

On Monday, pro-government rallies were held in several Iranian cities. Protesters raised slogans against the United States and Israel. Public anger triggered by the sharp devaluation of the Iranian currency had escalated into widespread protests by the end of December.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, over 500 people, including 48 security personnel, have been killed in the unrest. The Iranian government has announced three days of national mourning to honour those who lost their lives.