US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new economic move against Iran, warning that any country trading with Tehran will face a 25 percent tariff on all business conducted with the United States. The decision comes as Iran faces its most violent wave of protests in years, triggered by economic collapse and rising public anger.
More than 600 demonstrations have erupted across all 31 Iranian provinces. At least 646 people have been killed, including hundreds of protesters and members of the security forces. Thousands more have been detained as authorities imposed internet and phone shutdowns to curb the unrest.
Trump has said Iran is nearing a red line by using lethal force against demonstrators, prompting Washington to consider strong responses, including military options. The White House has indicated that while diplomacy remains the preferred route, airstrikes are among the measures being evaluated.
The tariff decision has raised serious concerns for India, one of Iran&rsquo;s major trading partners alongside China, the UAE, Turkey and Iraq. India and Iran maintain strong commercial ties, with bilateral trade worth nearly $1.7 billion in 2024&ndash;25. India exports rice, tea, sugar, fruits and medicines to Iran, while importing items such as dry fruits, chemicals and mineral products.
India already faces steep US tariffs linked to its Russian oil purchases, and the additional levy related to Iran could further strain trade and disrupt ongoing negotiations for a broader India-US trade agreement. Despite this, Washington has signalled that India remains a key strategic and economic partner.
Meanwhile, Iran&rsquo;s economic crisis continues to deepen. The re-imposition of international sanctions has driven the Iranian rial into a historic collapse, now trading at over 1.4 million to the US dollar, fuelling inflation, job losses and mass unrest.
Iran&rsquo;s foreign minister has accused the United States of using the protests as a pretext for intervention, though no evidence has been presented to support the claim.

US tariffs on Iran’s allies raise fears for India amid Tehran unrest

Trump Hits Iran Trade Partners With 25% Tariff

US tariffs on Iran’s allies raise fears for India amid Tehran unrest

January 13, 2026 | 10:32 IST