USA slaps 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran

January 13, 2026 (MLN):  The United States signaled a new escalation in economic pressure against Iran, with a proposed policy that would impose a 25% tariff on any country continuing to do business with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The measure would apply to all trade conducted with the U.S. by those countries and was described as taking effect immediately.

The announcement was made by President Donald J. Trump in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He said the tariff decision was “final and conclusive” and warned that any nation maintaining commercial ties with Iran would face penalties on trade with the United States.

Earlier, Trump said Iran was approaching a moment of major change, and that the country was “looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” adding that the United States “stands ready to help.”

Tensions between the United States and Iran have remained high amid, ongoing internal unrest in Iran, with demonstrations spreading across multiple cities and drawing international scrutiny over the government’s response.

The new U.S. measure raises questions about countries like Pakistan, which has recently been expanding its agricultural and trade relations with Iran.

In November 2025, Pakistan and Iran agreed to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, food security, and trade, including plans for Iran to import 350,000 livestock from Pakistan. Discussions also focused on wheat, rice, maize, and fodder exports, as well as technology transfers and joint ventures in modern irrigation and drought-resistant crops. 

With Pakistan aiming to achieve $10 billion in bilateral trade with Iran, would the proposed U.S. tariffs could disrupt these agreements.

The statement did not outline how the tariff would be implemented or which countries would be affected, and no immediate response was issued by U.S. government agencies or foreign governments, as of yet.

The situation is expected to draw close attention from international markets and U.S. allies with economic ties to Iran.

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