US President Trump has confirmed that the US is imposing a 25 percent tariff on imports from any country that continues to trade with Iran, announcing the measure on his Truth Social platform. However, the White House has not yet explained the legal authority underpinning the proposal or how the tariffs would be implemented in practice.

If enacted, the policy could affect countries with significant commercial ties to Iran, including China, Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and India, prompting concerns about knock-on effects for global trade and diplomatic relations. China has already condemned the announcement and suggested it could respond with countermeasures.

The move adds to existing uncertainty in US trade policy, as the US Supreme Court is currently considering the scope and legality of the tariff powers used during Trump’s earlier presidency. Many legal observers suggest the ruling could be confirmed this week.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian parliamentary figure has warned that any US military action would lead Tehran to target American and Israeli shipping centres, which he described as legitimate objectives in the event of a US strike. The comments were delivered during a session of Iran’s parliament in Tehran, against the backdrop of widespread protests and growing international alarm over Iran’s internal instability.

Trump has indicated that the US is weighing possible responses, including military options, if Iran’s security crackdown continues to result in civilian deaths. While he has publicly voiced support for protesters, telling them that “help is on the way,” US officials stress that no final decisions have been made and that diplomatic avenues remain under active consideration.