Trump Warns of 25% Tariff on Iran Trade...Trillions in Compensation if Tariff Lawsuit Lost

Mentioned on Truth Social
"Takes effect immediately"
Pressuring the Supreme Court over tariff lawsuit

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

As anti-government protests intensify in Iran, President Donald Trump of the United States warned on January 12 (local time) that the U.S. would impose a 25% tariff on all countries conducting business with Iran when trading with the United States.

On his self-created social networking service, Truth Social, President Trump stated, "Any country that does business with Iran will be required to pay a 25% tariff on all commerce with the United States," stressing, "This goes into 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 cases that have been confirmed or independently verified, adding that "the actual death toll may exceed 6,000."

On January 11, President Trump also suggested the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Iran, saying, "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 both countries are preparing for talks, he also hinted that U.S. intervention could occur before any such discussions take place.

Additionally, on the same day, President Trump again pressured the Supreme Court, warning that the United States would collapse if it lost the tariff lawsuit. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Trump on various countries in April of last year. Although a ruling was initially expected as early as the 9th, the 14th is now considered the most likely date for the verdict.

Targeting this issue in a post on Truth Social, President Trump argued that if the administration loses the tariff lawsuit, it would have to return trillions of dollars, stating, "It would be a total mess, and our country would find it nearly impossible to pay."

He also claimed that other countries and companies are investing in U.S. factories and equipment to avoid American tariffs, and that if the administration loses the lawsuit, trillions of dollars would have to be returned to maintain such investments. However, this amount is much larger than the $150 billion (220 trillion won) in tariff refunds estimated by Reuters.

President Trump further asserted, "Anyone who says this can be done quickly and easily is either not telling the truth, is inaccurate, or has completely misunderstood this very large and complex issue." He added, "If the Supreme Court rules against the United States regarding this national security bonanza, we are finished."