President Trump threatens to impose tariffs on countries that trade with Iran
President Donald Trump has threatened 25% tariffs and possible military action amid deadly protests and internet blackouts in Iran.
A day after the Trump administration announced that attacking Iran with airstrikes was on the table, President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian protesters to continue flying and promised that “help is on the way.”
“Iranian patriots, keep protesting. Take over our institutions!!! Please leave the names of the murderers and abusers. They will pay a heavy price,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I have canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killings of protesters stop. Help is on the way. MIGA!!!”
Demonstrations in Tehran began in late December, causing the Iranian rial to plummet in value against the US dollar and deepening an already devastating economic crisis amid soaring inflation. It has killed hundreds of people and drawn condemnation from human rights groups.
According to Reuters, Iranian officials announced on January 12 that around 2,000 people had been killed in the protests. According to the news agency, this is the first time authorities have acknowledged the high death toll resulting from the harsh crackdown on the two-week-long nationwide unrest.
The White House has announced that attacking Iran with airstrikes is “on the table” as President Trump considers military options in the country following the Iranian regime’s deadliest crackdown on protests in years.
“What President Trump has been very good at is keeping all options on the table,” White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said on January 12. “And airstrikes will be one of many, many options on the commander-in-chief’s table.”
President Trump also said countries doing business with Iran would be subject to a 25% tariff on trade with the United States.
Contributor: Joey Garrison
