From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 12, 2026
Trump declares 25% tariff on countries ‘doing business’ with Iran
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Donald Trump announces that “effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America.”
“This order is final and conclusive,” Trump writes on Truth Social.
The announcement appears to be the latest effort by the US to pressure the Islamic Republic amid widespread anti-government protests across Iran.
While Trump has avoided explicit talk of regime change, he has threatened military action against Iran if it kills protesters, which has reportedly been the case.
Trump said Sunday that Iran’s leadership reached out to the US over the weekend, expressing interest in holding nuclear negotiations. The president said he may take up the offer but indicated he may strike Iran first.
Trump is slated to hold a security consultation on Tuesday, during which he will be briefed on potential actions to take against Iran. He is said to lean in favor of a military strike, while also remaining open to a diplomatic solution.
The president has expressed support for the protesters and has pledged that “help” is on the way, without elaborating.
The Times of Israel Community.