Washington DC [US], February 7 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order reaffirming the national emergency with respect to Iran and creating a mechanism to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue economic ties with Tehran, the White House said.
Beginning on its effective date, the order allows the United States to impose an additional ad valorem duty—up to 25 percent, for example—on goods imported into the US from any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran. The move is presented as protecting US national security, foreign policy and economic interests.
The White House said the order sets up a system permitting Washington to levy tariffs on imports from countries that maintain economic relations with Iran, while giving the president authority to adjust the measures in response to retaliation or if Iran or an affected country takes “significant steps” to align with US national security, foreign policy and economic objectives.
The executive order authorises the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to take necessary actions, including issuing rules and guidance, to implement the tariff system and related measures.
According to the White House, the action is part of a broader effort to counter what it described as Iran’s “malign influence,” citing Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development and regional destabilisation. The administration accused Iran of backing proxy militant groups across the Middle East, repressing its own population, and diverting resources toward nuclear and missile programmes instead of domestic needs.
The White House characterised these actions as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, its allies and interests, requiring a sustained and intensified response.
The order builds on President Trump’s long-standing hardline approach toward Iran. During his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, reinstated “maximum pressure” sanctions and designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. After returning to office, Trump restored maximum pressure policies aimed at denying Iran any path to a nuclear weapon.
The White House also pointed to recent US military and diplomatic measures, including operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the deployment of additional US forces to the region, intended to pressure Tehran into negotiating a deal that would permanently block its nuclear ambitions.
Separately, the US government issued a security alert for Iran, warning of heightened security measures, internet disruptions, flight cancellations and nationwide communication restrictions. The advisory urged US citizens to leave Iran immediately if it is safe to do so, avoid demonstrations, maintain a low profile and prepare for prolonged disruptions.
The United States currently has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran. Switzerland, through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for US interests in the country, the advisory said. (ANI)
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