US to levy tariffs on countries trading with Iran, Trump signs order

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reaffirming the national emergency with respect to Iran and establishing a new tariff mechanism targeting countries that continue to trade with Tehran, the White House said.

Under the order, which takes effect early Friday, the United States may impose additional ad valorem duties— for example, up to 25 per cent—on imports from any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran. The move is aimed at protecting US national security, foreign policy and economic interests.

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“Beginning on the effective date of this order, an additional ad valorem rate of duty — for example, 25 per cent — may be imposed on goods imported into the United States that are products of any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran,” the executive order read.

The White House said the executive order creates a system allowing Washington to levy tariffs on countries maintaining economic ties with Iran, while giving the President authority to modify or lift the measures if circumstances change. Tariffs may be adjusted in response to retaliation or if Iran or an affected country takes ‘significant steps’ to align with the United States on national security, foreign policy and economic matters.

According to a White House fact sheet, the action is part of a broader effort to counter what it described as Iran’s ‘malign influence’ abroad. The administration cited Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, development of ballistic missiles, support for terrorism and activities that destabilise the Middle East.

The White House described Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, alleging that it backs proxy groups and militias across the region that have killed and wounded Americans and continue to target US troops, partners and allies.

The administration also pointed to Iran’s internal conditions, accusing the regime of severe repression, killing protesters, denying basic human rights and diverting national resources toward nuclear and missile programmes instead of addressing domestic infrastructure and public welfare.

“These actions constitute a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States, requiring a sustained and intensified response to protect American citizens, allies, and interests,” the White House said.

The executive order builds on President Trump’s long-standing hardline approach toward Iran. During his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, reinstated what his administration calls ‘maximum pressure’ sanctions and designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

“President Trump is building on his strong record from his first term, when he withdrew from the flawed Iran nuclear deal, imposed maximum pressure, and designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation,” White House said.

After returning to the office, Trump again restored maximum pressure policies, with the stated goal of denying Iran any path to a nuclear weapon and countering its influence beyond its borders. The White House said the President has reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, both during his campaign and since resuming office.

The administration also referred to recent military and diplomatic actions, including operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the deployment of additional US forces to the region, aimed at pressuring Tehran to negotiate a deal that would permanently block its nuclear ambitions.

The executive order authorises the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to take all necessary actions, including issuing rules, guidance and regulations, to implement the new tariff system.

The White House framed the Iran order as part of a wider strategy toward governments it considers hostile, citing recent actions against Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and new tariffs imposed on countries providing oil to Cuba.