President Donald Trump announced Monday, January 12, that Iran’s primary trading partners will be met with 25 percent tariffs on most goods. The announcement comes amid several days of sustained unrest across the country, which has left dozens of anti-regime protesters dead, according to figures from several human rights organizations.
The measure targets nations such as China, India, Turkey, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, which are among Iran’s primary trading partners. The White House stated that this policy applies to any goods imported into the United States from those countries, potentially increasing costs for American businesses and consumers.
“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,” the president posted on Truth Social.
Trump’s announcement comes in response to Iran’s handling of widespread domestic protests that began in late December. These demonstrations initially arose from economic grievances, including a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and rising inflation, which prompted merchants in Tehran to take to the streets on December 28, according to a report from The Guardian.
The protests quickly spread to all 31 provinces of Iran, evolving into broader calls for political change, including demands for the end of the current regime led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters have chanted anti-government slogans and clashed with security forces in major cities like Tehran, as well as in rural areas traditionally seen as supportive of the government
As of January 12, the unrest has continued for a third consecutive week.Human rights organizations, including the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), have documented significant casualties. HRANA reported at least 503 protesters killed, along with 69 security personnel, and more than 10,600 arrests since the protests began.
The Iranian government has not released official figures, but state media has acknowledged over 100 officers killed.
In addition to the violence, a nationwide internet blackout and disruptions to mobile phone services have been in place for several days, complicating efforts to report on the situation and coordinate among demonstrators. Supreme Leader Khamenei has called for protesters to be “put in their place,” signaling an intent to escalate suppression efforts.
The Iranian Revolution is easily the biggest story in the world right now, even if the legacy media’s reporting on it remains tepid / regime-friendly.
The only way to have a clearer picture of what’s actually happening in Iran is to be on X.
Here is what my X feed is currently… pic.twitter.com/CTTxs3qvJB
— Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) January 12, 2026
Trump has indicated that possible U.S. military intervention in Iran remains on the table. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” the president told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night.
Trump had previously warned that the U.S. would that if Iranian forces continue to target protesters, the U.S. would “hit them very hard where it hurts.” He added that if Iran retaliates against any U.S. actions, “we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”
The president has also expressed support for the protesters. Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!”
Despite escalating tensions, the president has left the door open to a diplomatic solution regarding the nation’s nuclear program, which was largely destroyed by U.S. strikes last June. The nuclear program could be rebuilt, however, leaving the door open to potential conflict down the road.
Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have responded by stating that Tehran is “prepared for war” but is also open to talks.
