Washington — President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order that reaffirms a national emergency concerning Iran and establishes a mechanism to impose additional tariffs on countries that maintain economic ties with Tehran, the White House said.
Under the order, beginning on its effective date the United States may impose an additional ad valorem duty—up to about 25 percent, for example—on goods imported from any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran. The administration described the measure as protecting U.S. national security, foreign policy and economic interests.
The directive creates a system allowing Washington to levy tariffs on imports from countries that sustain economic relations with Iran. It also gives the president authority to modify those measures in response to retaliatory steps or if Iran or an affected country takes “significant steps” to align with U.S. national security, foreign policy and economic goals.
The executive order authorizes 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 program and related measures.
The White House framed the action as 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 destabilization. The administration accused Iran of backing proxy militant groups across the Middle East, repressing its own population and diverting resources toward nuclear and missile programs instead of domestic needs.
Those actions were characterized as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, its allies and interests, requiring a sustained and intensified response, the White House said.
The order builds on the president’s long-standing hardline approach toward Iran. During his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement, reinstated wide-ranging sanctions and designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization. After returning to office, he restored “maximum pressure” policies intended to deny Iran any path to a nuclear weapon.
The administration also pointed to recent U.S. military and diplomatic measures, including operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the deployment of additional U.S. forces to the region, as efforts to press Tehran into negotiating a deal to permanently block its nuclear ambitions.
Separately, the U.S. government issued a security alert for Iran warning of heightened security measures, possible internet disruptions, flight cancellations and nationwide communication restrictions. The advisory urged U.S. citizens in Iran to leave if it is safe to do so, avoid demonstrations, keep 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 U.S. interests, the advisory noted.
Reported by ANI. This article is based on a syndicated feed and is published as received.
