U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran.

This move, coming as anti-government protests in Iran enter their third week, is seen as a significant escalation to ramp up pressure on Tehran.

Taking to social media, President Trump stated that the tariff measure would take effect immediately. However, he did not provide specific details on what exact criteria would define "doing business" with Iran.

Iran’s primary trading partners currently include China, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Turkey, all of whom could be significantly impacted by this directive.

Military Options Remain on the Table

In a parallel development, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump is still considering airstrikes as a potential response to the situation in Iran.

"A great strength of President Trump is that he always keeps his options open," Leavitt told reporters. "Airstrikes are just one of many options under consideration."

While emphasizing that diplomacy remains the President's first choice, Leavitt stressed that Trump "is not afraid to use the lethal power and military capability of the United States military if and when he deems it necessary."

She added, "No one knows this better than Iran," referring to the U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities last summer.

Economic Turmoil in Iran

The Iranian economy is currently reeling under the weight of international sanctions targeting its nuclear program, further exacerbated by government mismanagement and corruption.

• Currency Collapse: On December 28, a rapid plunge in the value of the Rial against the U.S. Dollar drove merchants and business owners into the streets of Tehran in protest.
• Inflation Crisis: Over the past year, Iran’s currency has hit record lows, while the inflation rate has soared above 40%.
• Cost of Living: This economic volatility has led to an extraordinary rise in the prices of essential commodities, including cooking oil and meat.