U.S. and Iran exchange threats - Tuesday, 10 March
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including thr...
U.S. President Donald Trump has directed his economic team to devise a reciprocal tariff plan, imposing matching duties on countries that charge tariffs on U.S. imports. The move, announced as part of Trump's broader trade policy overhaul, could escalate tensions with major global economies.
Trump signed a memorandum instructing officials to calculate reciprocal tariffs to counter existing duties and non-tariff barriers imposed on U.S. goods. While the order stops short of an immediate tariff hike, it launches an investigation into foreign trade policies that could take weeks or months to complete.
The White House strategy will initially focus on countries with the largest trade surpluses and highest tariff rates, including China, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union. Trump has also criticized India, citing its high tariffs on U.S. exports.
Markets reacted cautiously to the announcement, with Wall Street seeing modest gains, relieved that immediate tariffs were not enacted. However, analysts warn that the plan could fuel inflation and disrupt global supply chains.
Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick said the administration aims to finalize studies by April 1, coinciding with a deadline set for reducing U.S. trade deficits.
Trade experts note that implementing customized reciprocal tariffs poses a complex legal and logistical challenge. The White House is exploring various trade statutes, including Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for a temporary 15% tariff.
Trump has already imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, steel and aluminum duties, and has placed a 30-day hold on tariffs for Canada and Mexico. Additional levies on cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals are under consideration.
While the White House maintains that the policy aims to encourage trade negotiations, experts warn it could lead to retaliatory measures from U.S. allies and rivals, intensifying trade disputes.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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