Trump threatens more tariffs on any country that trades with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that establishes the imposition of additional tariffs on imports from nations that maintain trade relations with Iran, a measure that will take effect this Saturday, February 7th. “From the date this order enters into force, an additional ‘ad valorem’ tariff may be imposed —for example, of 25%— on goods imported into the United States that are products of any country that, directly or indirectly, buys, imports, or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran,” reads the text.

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The legal basis is the renewal of the “national emergency” declared in 1995 due to the threat that, according to Washington, Iran’s actions pose to the national security and foreign policy of the U.S. The order argues that this new tariff regime, added to the existing sanctions, is necessary to more effectively address that emergency. The order includes clauses that allow for its modification in the event of retaliation by other countries, or if Iran or an affected nation takes “significant measures” to align with U.S. security objectives.

• Tensions between the US and Iran escalated in early January after Trump’s threat of a military intervention, initially citing internal protests in Iran. Although the demonstrations ceased, Washington maintained pressure, changing its argument towards Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs.
• In turn, Iran has reiterated that any miscalculation by those who try to attack it will trigger a strong response from the Islamic Republic.