By Forum staff writer
The United States president Donald Trump has signed an executive order threatening new tariffs on countries that continue trading with Iran, escalating economic pressure as diplomatic talks continue between Washington and Tehran.
The order, signed on Friday, authorises the US administration to impose additional tariffs on goods imported from any country that engages in trade with Iran. While it does not set a fixed rate, the document cites 25 percent as an example of the level that could be applied.
According to the text, the measures could target any nation that directly or indirectly purchases, imports or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran. The language gives the White House broad discretion to act against countries whose commercial links with Tehran are seen as undermining US sanctions.
President Trump has not publicly commented in detail on the executive order itself. However, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, he repeated his long standing position that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, stressing what he described as a clear red line for his administration.
The move comes at a sensitive moment as senior officials from the United States and Iran continue discussions in Oman. The talks follow weeks of heightened rhetoric, with both sides exchanging warnings over nuclear activities, sanctions enforcement and regional security.
US officials have said the discussions are aimed at preventing further escalation and exploring limits on Iran nuclear programme. Iranian representatives, for their part, have argued that sanctions relief is essential for any meaningful progress and have criticised what they see as economic coercion.
The threat of new tariffs adds another layer of uncertainty for countries that maintain trade relations with Iran, including several in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Analysts say even the possibility of additional US duties could deter businesses and governments from engaging with Tehran, regardless of whether the measures are fully implemented.
Supporters of the policy argue that stronger economic pressure is necessary to force Iran back to the negotiating table on terms acceptable to Washington. Critics, however, warn that expanding tariffs to third party countries could strain US relations with allies and complicate global trade.
As negotiations continue in Oman, the executive order signals that the Trump administration is prepared to combine diplomacy with economic leverage. Whether the threat of tariffs will influence the talks or harden positions on both sides remains uncertain.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether dialogue prevails or pressure intensifies, shaping the future of US Iran relations and broader stability across the Middle East and beyond region.
