Donald Trump’s Iran Tariff Announcement
Table of Contents
On January 12, 2024, donald Trump announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that the Islamic Republic of Iran would be subject to a 25% tariff on any trade with the United states, effective immediately, and that the order was final. Reuters reported on this announcement.
verification of Tariff Implementation
As of January 16, 2026, there is no evidence that this tariff has been implemented by the U.S. government. Joe Biden is currently the President of the United States, and any such tariff would require action by his administration. The White House website does not list any such tariff. Trump’s announcement was made while he was not in office, and lacked the authority to enact such a policy.
Iran’s Trade Partners
Iran’s primary trade partners include China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq.
Trade Statistics with Key Partners (2023)
According to the Trading Economics database, in 2023, China accounted for approximately 38.8% of Iran’s total exports, with a value of $12.3 billion. Iraq was the second largest export destination, receiving 23.7% ($7.5 billion).The United Arab Emirates accounted for 14.4% ($4.56 billion) and Turkey 9.6% ($3.04 billion). Trading Economics provides detailed trade data for Iran.
Protests and Crackdowns in Iran
Protests in Iran began in late December 2022, initially sparked by economic grievances and a decline in the Iranian rial’s value.
Escalation and Government Response
The protests, which began with traders in Tehran, quickly expanded nationwide and evolved into broader demonstrations against the Iranian government. Iran Human Rights (IHR),a Norwegian-based institution,reported on January 10,2024,that Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters and detained over 10,000 people since the start of the protests. Iran Human Rights report details the casualties and arrests.
U.S. Response to Crackdowns
Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action in response to the Iranian government’s crackdown on protesters.Though, as of January 16, 2026, no military action has been taken by the United States. The U.S. Department of State website provides information on U.S. policy towards Iran,but does not indicate any recent military action.
