US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order warning of additional tariffs on countries that continue commercial relations with Iran, tightening Washington’s economic pressure on Tehran.
The order, signed on Friday, authorises the United States to impose import tariffs on goods from any country that “directly or indirectly” purchases Iranian goods or services. While no fixed rate is specified, the document cites 25% as a reference level. The measure could apply broadly to imports entering the US market from countries found to be trading with Iran.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday night, Trump did not comment directly on the executive order but reiterated his long-standing position that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
The move comes as diplomatic talks between senior US and Iranian officials continue in Oman, following weeks of escalating rhetoric and pressure from both sides. Earlier this year, Trump had already warned of a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran, though details were not clarified at the time.
In a statement, the White House said the executive order reaffirms the “ongoing national emergency” related to Iran and allows for adjustments should circumstances change. It accused Tehran of pursuing nuclear capabilities, supporting terrorism, developing ballistic missiles and destabilising the region in ways that threaten US interests and those of its allies.
Separately, the US State Department announced new sanctions against 15 entities accused of trading in Iranian crude oil, petroleum or petrochemical products, further expanding existing restrictions.
Iran has not immediately responded to the announcements. The country is already under heavy US and Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and denies allegations that it seeks to build nuclear weapons.
Under the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment and halt enrichment activities at certain facilities. However, the deal collapsed in 2018 when Trump withdrew the US from the agreement and reimposed sanctions, including so-called secondary sanctions targeting countries that trade with Iran. Iran subsequently began breaching several limits set by the deal.
Last year, the United Nations reintroduced economic and military sanctions after European powers accused Iran of escalating its nuclear activities and failing to cooperate with international inspectors.
Despite the sanctions, Iran continues to trade with more than 100 countries. China remains its largest export destination, followed by Iraq. The United Arab Emirates and Turkey are also major trading partners, with exports to Turkey rising sharply last year.
The latest round of talks in Oman marks the first direct engagement between US and Iranian officials since last June. The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US side included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Trump described the discussions as “very good” and suggested Iran was eager to reach an agreement, warning that failure to do so would have serious consequences.
Oman’s foreign minister, who is mediating the talks, said the discussions helped clarify positions and identify areas for possible progress. Iranian officials described the talks as a positive starting point, with further consultations expected.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, with Trump repeatedly warning that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails. The US has also increased its military presence in the region amid concerns over Iran’s internal crackdown on protests and broader regional instability.
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