Trump Declares 25% Retaliatory Tariffs on Countries Trading with Iran 2026

They shook hands, but the fists remain clenched. President Donald Trump just sent a shockwave through the global economy by announcing a 25% tariff on any nation doing business with Iran. It's a massive escalation of his 'maximum pressure' campaign, aimed at crippling the Iranian government as it faces its most significant domestic protests in decades.

Impact of Trump Iran Trade Tariffs on Global Markets

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the order is "final and conclusive." The policy mandates that any country engaging in trade with the Islamic Republic will face an immediate 25% surcharge on all business conducted with the United States. While the White House hasn't yet published official documentation, the message's impact on diplomatic circles was instantaneous.

The response from Tehran was defiant. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Iran is "ready for war" if Washington chooses to test its military options. He warned that certain actors are trying to drag the U.S. into a conflict to serve specific regional interests, though he held out hope for the "wise option" of dialogue.

China and Major Partners in the Crosshairs

China stands to lose the most. As Iran's largest trading partner, Beijing purchased 80% of Iran's oil last year. This new tariff threat arrives just months after a trade truce between Trump and Xi Jinping in October 2025, which had lowered Chinese tariffs to 35%. A new 25% levy could effectively end the fragile stability between the two superpowers.