US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order warning of tougher trade penalties on countries that continue doing business with Iran. The move adds pressure on Tehran as nuclear talks resume and tensions remain high in the Middle East.
The order signals a tougher US stance and could reshape global trade ties with Iran.
New Tariff Threat Explained
The executive order allows the United States to impose tariffs on countries that buy goods or services from Iran. While it does not set a fixed rate, it mentions 25 percent as a possible benchmark.
The tariffs would apply to goods imported into the US from countries that trade with Iran, either directly or indirectly. The White House said the president could adjust the measures if circumstances change.
Trump has not commented directly on the order. However, he repeated that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons.
Talks Continue Despite Pressure
The tariff warning comes as US and Iranian officials hold talks in Oman. These are the first direct discussions in months following military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year.
Trump described the talks as “very good” and said Iran appears eager to reach a deal. He warned that failure to agree would bring serious consequences. Another meeting is expected next week.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the talks a “good start” and said discussions took place in a positive atmosphere.
Why the US Is Increasing Pressure
The White House says Iran continues to threaten regional and global security. Officials accuse Tehran of supporting terrorism, developing ballistic missiles, and expanding its nuclear program.
At the same time, the US State Department announced new sanctions on 15 companies accused of trading Iranian oil and petrochemical products.
Iran has not responded publicly to the latest announcements.
Iran’s Nuclear Dispute
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. It denies claims that it wants to build nuclear weapons.
Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran agreed to strict limits on uranium enrichment. Trump withdrew the US from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, which damaged Iran’s economy.
Since then, Iran has breached several limits under the deal. Last year, the UN restored economic and military sanctions after accusing Tehran of nuclear escalation.
Countries Still Trading With Iran
Despite sanctions, more than 100 countries still trade with Iran. China is Iran’s largest trading partner. It imported over $14 billion worth of Iranian goods in 2025.
Iraq, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates also remain major buyers. Trade with Turkey rose sharply last year.
The new US tariff threat could force these countries to rethink their trade ties with Tehran.
Rising Risk of Conflict
Tensions between the US and Iran remain high. Trump has warned that military action remains an option if talks fail.
The US has also increased its military presence in the region. Washington says the move responds to Iran’s actions at home and abroad.
Human rights groups report widespread violence during recent protests in Iran. However, the full scale remains unclear due to internet restrictions.
What Comes Next
The tariff threat adds urgency to the ongoing talks. If negotiations succeed, sanctions pressure may ease. If they fail, global trade and regional stability could face new shocks.
For now, the world watches closely as diplomacy and economic pressure collide.