President Donald Trump has escalated his "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, declaring an immediate 25% tariff on all goods from countries that continue to do business with Iran. The announcement, made via Truth Social this morning, effectively weaponizes the US economy against China, India, and the UAE, threatening to upend global supply chains.

"Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States," the President wrote. The directive comes as Washington weighs a military response to the crackdown on protesters in Iran, where over 500 people have reportedly been killed.

Collateral Damage

The move is a direct challenge to Beijing, the largest buyer of Iranian oil. By forcing nations to choose between the Iranian market and the American consumer, Trump is drawing a hard line in the sand. "This Order is final and conclusive," he stated, offering no grace period for existing contracts.

• The Beijing Reaction: China’s embassy in Washington immediately condemned the move as "economic coercion" and "long-arm jurisdiction," warning that it would take measures to safeguard its legitimate rights.
• The Economic Impact: Markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices spiking on fears of a supply crunch. Trade analysts warn that if enforced, these tariffs could trigger retaliatory measures, dragging the global economy into a recessionary spiral.

Diplomacy or War?

While the White House insists that "diplomacy is the first option," the tariff hike—coupled with threats of airstrikes—suggests the administration is pivoting to economic strangulation. For the regime in Tehran, already battling an internal uprising, the external vice is tightening fast.