Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order reaffirming the national emergency concerning Iran and creating a mechanism to impose additional tariffs on countries that continue economic engagement with Tehran, the White House said.

What is the new order?

Under the order, the United States may, from its effective date, levy an additional ad valorem duty, potentially up to 25 per cent on goods imported from any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran. The measure is intended to safeguard US national security, foreign policy and economic interests.

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The White House said the order establishes a framework allowing Washington to impose tariffs on imports from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran, while granting the president authority to adjust or suspend the measures if circumstances change. This could include responses to retaliation or instances where Iran or an affected country takes what the administration described as “significant steps” to align with the United States on national security, foreign policy and economic matters.

 

The executive order authorises the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to take all necessary actions to implement the tariff regime, including issuing rules, regulations and guidance.

According to the White House, the move forms part of a broader effort to counter Iran’s “malign influence”, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development and destabilising activities across the region. The administration accused Iran of backing proxy militant groups in the Middle East, suppressing its domestic population and diverting resources towards nuclear and missile programmes at the expense of economic development. The White House said these activities represent an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, its allies and its interests, warranting a sustained and intensified response.

 

 

US-Iran relations

The order builds on President Trump’s long-standing hardline stance on Iran. During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear agreement, reinstated a policy of “maximum pressure” sanctions and designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. After returning to office, he reinstated maximum pressure measures aimed at denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon.

The administration also pointed to recent US military and diplomatic actions, including operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the deployment of additional US forces to the region, as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into negotiating an agreement that would permanently curb its nuclear programme.

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Separately, the US government issued a security alert for Iran, warning of heightened security measures, internet disruptions, flight cancellations and nationwide restrictions on communications. The advisory urged US citizens to leave Iran immediately if it is safe to do so, avoid public demonstrations, maintain a low profile and prepare for prolonged disruptions.

 

The United States has no diplomatic or consular relations with Iran. Switzerland, through its embassy in Tehran, acts as the protecting power for US interests in the country, the advisory said.