Mentioned on Truth Social
"Takes effect immediately"
Pressuring the Supreme Court over tariff lawsuit
As anti-government protests intensify in Iran, President Donald Trump of the United States warned on January 12 (local time) that the United States would impose a 25% tariff on all countries conducting business with Iran when trading with the United States.
On the same day, President Trump emphasized on his self-created social networking service, Truth Social, "Every country doing business with Iran will be required to pay a 25% tariff on all commerce with the United States," adding, "This takes effect immediately."
Anti-government protests have continued for a second week in Iran, which maintains a hostile relationship with the United States. Due to the Iranian government's harsh crackdown, it is estimated that the number of deaths has risen to several hundred or even thousands. According to Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based organization, at least 648 protesters have been confirmed dead as of the 16th day of protests. However, IHR noted that this figure only includes deaths that have been confirmed or independently verified, stating that "the actual number of deaths could exceed 6,000."
On January 11, President Trump also suggested the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Iran, stating, "We are considering several powerful options and will make a decision," indicating that various measures are under review. While the Iranian government has requested negotiations and the two countries are preparing for talks, he also hinted that U.S. intervention could occur before any negotiations take place.
Additionally, on the same day, President Trump once again pressured the Supreme Court, warning that the United States would be ruined if it lost the tariff lawsuit. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of reciprocal tariffs and other country-specific tariffs imposed by President Trump on various countries in April last year. While a ruling was initially expected as early as the 9th, it is now widely anticipated to be delivered on the 14th.
Targeting this issue in a Truth Social post, President Trump argued, "If the administration loses the tariff lawsuit, we will have to return trillions of dollars," claiming, "It would be a complete mess and nearly impossible for our country to pay."
He also stated that other countries and companies are investing in U.S. factories and equipment to avoid U.S. tariffs, and that if the administration loses the lawsuit, trillions of dollars would have to be refunded to maintain such investments. However, this amount is far greater than the $150 billion (220 trillion won) in tariff refunds estimated by Reuters.
President Trump further argued, "Anyone who says this can be resolved quickly and easily is giving an answer that is either untrue, inaccurate, or completely misunderstood regarding this very large and complex issue." He added, "If the Supreme Court rules against the United States on this national security bonanza, we will be ruined."
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