Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Nations Trading with Iran as Global Pressure Mounts Over Protest Crackdowns
Immediate Tariff Measures
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared: "Effective immediately, any nation that does business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a 25 percent tariff on any trade they conduct with the United States of America." He emphasized the measure is "absolute and final."
China's embassy in Washington quickly responded, calling the tariffs "illegal unilateral sanctions" and warning that Beijing "opposes any extraterritorial jurisdiction." The embassy statement added that "tariff wars and trade wars have no winners" and that China "will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests."
Military Options Under Review
CBS News reported that Trump has been presented with a range of military options "far beyond conventional airstrikes," including covert operations, according to two Defense Department officials. The National Security Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday at the White House to review updated options regarding Iran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavit confirmed that "an airstrike is among the numerous and varied options on the Commander-in-Chief's table," while noting that "diplomacy is always the President's first option."
Trump himself stated Monday that Iranian officials have reached out seeking negotiations, adding: "We may meet with them. A meeting is scheduled, but we may have to act before that because of what is happening before the meeting."
Bipartisan Support Emerges
In a significant display of cross-party unity, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania announced his full support for potential military action against Iran.
"Yes, absolutely. Completely. If we conclude this is the more sensible approach, I support it 100 percent," Fetterman told CNN. "I think I was the only Democrat who fully supported striking Iran's nuclear facilities last year."
Fetterman called the courage of Iranian protesters "inspiring" and described the Islamic Republic as "one of the world's biggest sponsors of terrorism."
International Condemnation
Multiple nations took decisive action Monday:
European Parliament banned all Iranian diplomatic personnel and representatives from entering its buildings
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong declared the Iranian regime "has no legitimacy," stating: "A regime that needs to kill its people to maintain power has no legitimacy"
Germany, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Canada, and the Netherlands jointly condemned the crackdown
The European Union announced it is considering new, stronger sanctions against Iran
The Netherlands' Foreign Minister called for the EU to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization
Citizens Warned to Leave Iran
The United States urged all American citizens to leave Iran immediately, warning of ongoing internet blackouts and advising those who can to exit via land borders to Armenia or Turkey. Several European countries issued similar travel warnings, with France reportedly evacuating non-essential embassy staff from Tehran.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi confirmed he is in direct contact with the Trump administration and called on IT specialists to target the regime's communications infrastructure to restore internet access for protesters.
Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi, the former Empress, addressed Iranians in an emotional message: "My children, stay strong and believe that soon you will celebrate freedom together in Iran, and light will triumph over darkness."
She also appealed to Iranian security forces: "Hear the cries of anger from protesters. Before it's too late, join your brothers and sisters and do not tie your fate to that of murderers."
International Solidarity
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the protests as an "uprising," writing in Farsi on social media that world leaders "must engage now and help people eliminate those who are guilty."
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai expressed solidarity, stating: "The people of Iran demand to be heard and the right to determine their political future—a future that should be shaped by the Iranian people, including Iranian women and girls."
The Korean Writers Association declared that "Iran's resistance today is a matter of universal human rights" and called on Tehran to immediately halt state violence, release all political prisoners, and guarantee freedom of expression and assembly.
On the Ground, Threats of Retaliation
Despite severe internet blackouts imposed since Thursday, videos continue to emerge showing protests in major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, and Astara. Fox News reported that a source in Isfahan confirmed protests are continuing despite security forces using "live ammunition."
Iran's Blood Transfusion Organization issued an unusual public appeal for blood donations Monday night, prompting widespread speculation about casualty numbers.
Iranian protesters in Wellington, New Zealand, installed the historic Lion and Sun flag at the Islamic Republic's embassy, symbolizing rejection of the current government.
Iraq-based Kataib Hezbollah, a militia aligned with Iran, threatened to "defend Iran" if the United States launches an attack, warning that "war against Iran is not a picnic" and that conflict "will not end until your nose is ground into the dirt."
Vice President's Position Clarified
A spokesperson for Vice President JD Vance denied reports that he is pushing Trump to pursue diplomacy before any military action, calling the Wall Street Journal's reporting "inaccurate." Communications Director William Martin said Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio "present the President with a range of options, from diplomatic approaches to military action, without bias or favoritism."
Conservative commentator Mark Levin predicted Trump will act militarily, writing: "If this regime survives this crisis, the greatest opportunity in history to confront terrorism and an openly terrorist government will be lost."