Saturday, March 29, 2025
Trump’s ‘Tariff Bomb’: 25% Extra Tax Announced on Countries Trading with Iran
Washington/International Desk: US President Donald Trump has shaken up the global economy with a major announcement. He has made it clear that any country doing business with Iran will face an additional 25% tariff when trading with the US. This decision takes immediate effect.
Trump’s Tough Message: Red Line Crossed
President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social that this order is final. His anger stems primarily from the violence against protesters in Iran.
Military Action Threat: The White House has hinted that air strikes could follow if the violence doesn’t stop.
Stern Warning: Trump stated that if Iran targets US interests, it will face retaliatory action unlike anything it has seen before.
Iran’s Response
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has blamed the US and Israel for the unrest, calling it a conspiracy to destabilize the country. Supreme Leader Khamenei also warned Trump to focus on his own nation instead of meddling in Iran’s internal affairs.
Impact on India?
This move could significantly affect India, given its important trade ties with Iran.
India-Iran Trade Figures:
Trade Growth: Bilateral trade reached $2.33 billion in the financial year 2022-23.
Indian Exports: India mainly sends rice, tea, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products to Iran.
Indian Imports: India imports petrochemicals and fertilizers from Iran.
Cause for Concern: If India continues trading with Iran, the 25% US tariff could hurt billions in India-US trade, driving up prices and potentially spiking global oil markets.
Human Rights Situation in Iran
Reports indicate that 648 people have died and over 10,600 have been arrested amid ongoing protests in Iran. This is why the US is ramping up economic and military pressure on Tehran.
