US President Donald Trump has announced that countries maintaining commercial ties with Iran will face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States, as Washington weighs a range of military and non-military options in response to the ongoing unrest in Iran.
According to two US Department of Defense officials who spoke to CBS News, Trump has been briefed on several possible responses, including long-range missile strikes, cyber operations, and psychological campaigns. While air power remains a central option, planners are also considering ways to disrupt Iran’s command systems and communications.
The tariff announcement came on Monday amid reports from human rights groups that more than 600 protesters have been killed during three weeks of anti-government demonstrations in Iran. Despite the escalating situation, Iran’s foreign minister has said Tehran remains open to talks with Washington but is still “prepared for war”.
Trump’s national security team is expected to meet at the White House on Tuesday to review possible next steps, though it remains unclear whether the president will attend. Earlier, Trump said the US military was considering “very strong options” if the death toll among protesters continued to rise. He also claimed Iranian leaders had reached out to him to negotiate, while cautioning that the US “may have to act before a meeting”.
Economic pressure in Iran has intensified as frustration over currency collapse and economic mismanagement fuels public anger, creating a broader crisis for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s leadership. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iranian officials had also contacted Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, noting that Tehran’s public statements differ from private messages sent to the administration. She added that the president is “unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary”.
The US has advised its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country or have an exit plan that does not rely on US government assistance. There is no American embassy in Iran, further complicating evacuation efforts.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader accused the US of “deceit” and relying on “treacherous mercenaries”, as state-organised pro-government rallies were held across the country. State media reported large crowds in multiple cities, while BBC Persian confirmed that messages circulated urging attendance at pro-government demonstrations and warning against joining anti-government protests.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his stance, saying he would impose a 25% tariff on goods from countries “doing business” with Iran, adding: “This order is final and conclusive.”
Iran, already under heavy US sanctions, is grappling with soaring inflation and a rapidly weakening currency, with food prices reportedly rising by up to 70%. As food accounts for roughly a third of Iran’s imports, further trade restrictions could worsen shortages and raise costs for ordinary citizens. The White House has not released further details on how the tariffs would be implemented.
China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and India, all of which could be affected by the proposed measures.
In a separate development, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah and now living in exile in the US, urged Trump to intervene “sooner” to reduce the number of protester deaths. Speaking to CBS News, he said the Iranian government was “trying to trick the world into thinking that (it) is ready to negotiate once again”.
At least 648 protesters, including nine minors, have been killed so far, according to Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), though sources inside Iran say the real figure may be significantly higher. Independent reporting remains difficult due to an ongoing internet blackout and restrictions on international media access.
