News (The Pak Global Pakistan):
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order threatening additional trade tariffs on countries that continue commercial dealings with Iran, escalating pressure on Tehran amid renewed diplomatic engagement.
The order, issued on Friday, authorises the United States to impose import tariffs on goods coming from any country that “directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran.” While the document does not set a fixed tariff rate, it cites 25 per cent as a possible benchmark.
President Trump did not publicly comment on the executive order at the time of signing. However, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, he reiterated his long-standing position, stressing that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
The move comes shortly after talks were held between senior US and Iranian officials in Oman, marking rare high-level engagement following weeks of escalating rhetoric and mutual threats. While the discussions raised cautious hopes for de-escalation, the latest order signals Washington’s continued use of economic pressure as a key tool in its Iran policy.
Analysts say the executive order could have wide-ranging implications for global trade, particularly for countries maintaining energy, commercial, or indirect financial links with Iran. It also adds uncertainty for international markets already sensitive to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Iran has yet to issue an official response to the order, though Tehran has repeatedly criticised US sanctions and tariff threats as unlawful and counterproductive to diplomacy.