At least 646 people have died as protests continue to shake Iran. Demonstrations have spread across the country for more than three weeks. Protesters are demanding an end to clerical rule. Security forces have responded with force, pushing the situation into a deeper crisis.

Human rights groups say the real toll may be higher. An internet blackout has slowed the flow of information. Even so, reports confirm mass arrests and growing fear. More than 10,700 people have been detained so far.

Trump Announces Tariffs on Iran’s Trade Partners

Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Tehran. He announced a 25 per cent tariff on “any country” that does business with Iran. The tariff applies to all trade with the United States.

Trump said the decision takes effect right away. He shared the announcement on social media but did not release official documents.
“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 per cent on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive,” Trump wrote.

So far, the US administration has not clarified what qualifies as “doing business” with Iran.

Military Options and Diplomatic Signals

Trump’s tariff move comes as he considers stronger steps against Iran. The White House confirmed that military action remains an option.
“Air strikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

However, she also noted that Iran has opened a diplomatic channel. Trump earlier claimed Iranian officials had reached out to negotiate. Still, he warned that action could come before talks. “We may have to act before a meeting,” he said.

Iran’s Leadership Pushes Back

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected the protests. He accused demonstrators of acting in foreign interests. He said protesters were “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” referring to Trump.

Despite this hard line, images have shown grieving families searching through body bags at a morgue near Tehran. The scenes underline the human cost of the crackdown.

Experts Question the Impact of New Tariffs

Some analysts doubt whether the tariff order will change Iran’s behavior. Michael Singh, a former US National Security Council official, said the move may fall short. “For President Trump, this seems like a pretty mild response to a very significant situation in Iran and so this will probably disappoint many in the Iranian American community,” he said.

He also raised doubts about enforcement. “The problem is that we have sanctions in place against Iran that are quite tough, but they’re not being enforced,” Singh added, noting that Iran continues to sell large volumes of oil.

Countries Likely to Feel the Impact

Trump’s announcement could affect several major economies. These include China, India, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, and the UAE.

China stands out as Iran’s biggest trading and oil partner. Analysts estimate that China accounts for more than 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports, often routed through intermediaries. A new US tariff could sharply raise duties on Chinese goods entering the American market.

Russia also maintains close ties with Iran in defence, energy, and finance. A fresh tariff would add pressure to Russia’s already sanctioned economy.

India’s Trade Links With Iran

India is one of Iran’s top trading partners and may face added strain. In 2024–25, India exported goods worth $1.24 billion to Iran. Imports stood at $0.44 billion. Total trade reached $1.68 billion.

India mainly exports basmati rice, tea, sugar, fruits, medicines, pulses, and meat. It imports methanol, petroleum bitumen, chemicals, apples, almonds, dry dates, and liquefied propane.

The two countries also cooperate on the Chabahar Port project, signed in 2015, which remains strategically important for India.

Growing Pressure on India-US Relations

The new Iran-linked tariff threat comes at a sensitive time. The US has already imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India. This includes a 25 per cent levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Trump recently warned that tariffs on India could rise further.
“They wanted to make me happy, basically. PM Modi is a very good man. He’s a good guy. He knew I was not happy,” Trump said. He added that higher tariffs could be imposed “very quickly.”

Last week, Trump also approved legislation proposing 500 per cent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. These steps could complicate India-US ties. Both sides are still working on a trade deal aimed at easing tariff pressure on New Delhi.

Tariffs as Trump’s Core Strategy

Since returning to power, Trump has relied heavily on tariffs to pressure foreign governments. However, this approach now faces legal scrutiny. The Supreme Court is reviewing challenges to his tariff authority, with a ruling expected later this month.

For now, Trump’s latest move signals a tougher stance on Iran and its global partners, even as questions remain about enforcement and long-term impact.