Donald Trump has warned that countries providing military weapons to Iran could face sweeping new tariffs, in a move that risks escalating economic tensions despite a recent ceasefire.
In a post on social media, the U.S. president said any nation supplying arms to Tehran would be hit with a 50% tariff on all goods exported to the United States, with no exemptions.
The announcement came just hours after Washington agreed to a two-week pause in hostilities with Iran, following weeks of strikes targeting its missile systems and military infrastructure.
“A country supplying military weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed… 50%, effective immediately,” Trump wrote, without naming specific countries.
Although no country was identified, the warning is widely understood to be directed at China and Russia, both of which have historically supported Iran’s defence capabilities.
Beijing and Moscow have denied any recent involvement in supplying weapons, insisting they have taken a neutral stance and supported diplomatic efforts.
Recent reports, however, have suggested ongoing concerns within the U.S. administration about technology and components reaching Iran from abroad, including alleged links to Chinese firms. China has rejected those claims.
The proposal also raises questions about how such tariffs could be implemented. In February, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority by using emergency powers to impose broad global tariffs, limiting his ability to act quickly.
Trade specialists say alternative routes - such as targeted investigations under existing trade laws - are available, but would take time and may only apply to specific sectors rather than entire economies.
There are also concerns about the potential economic impact. The United States maintains extensive trade ties with China, and analysts warn that imposing steep tariffs could increase costs for American businesses and consumers.
At the same time, Washington has been seeking to avoid a major escalation in trade tensions, particularly ahead of a possible meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.
The latest threat suggests tariffs remain a central tool in Trump’s foreign policy approach, even as military tensions with Iran temporarily ease under the current ceasefire.
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