Donald Trump says Iran trade partners will face 25% tariffs from US as he looks to pressure Tehran | World News
US President Donald Trump is not afraid to use military force against Iran if he believes it is necessary, the White House said on Monday, as protests continue across the country. Speaking to Fox News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said diplomacy remained Trump’s preferred option but warned that the use of force had not been ruled out.
“He is unafraid to use the lethal force and might of the United States military if and when he deems that necessary,” Leavitt said.
She added that airstrikes were among “many, many options” available to the US president.
White House cites past US strikes
Leavitt referred to US strikes carried out last year on Iran’s three main nuclear sites. Satellite images later suggested the damage was more limited than Trump had claimed at the time.Story continues below this ad
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters at the White House, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo)
“Nobody knows that better than Iran,” she said, when asked about Trump’s willingness to use force.
Leavitt also said Iran had sent mixed messages to Washington through both public and private channels, adding that Trump was interested in reviewing those communications. She did not give further details.
Trump announces new tariff threat
US President Donald Trump has said that Iran’s trade partners will face 25% tariffs from the US as he looks to pressure Tehran over its violent protest crackdown that’s left nearly 600 dead across the country.
Following the White House comments, Trump posted on Truth Social that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States.Story continues below this ad
“Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump wrote.
Protests spread across Iran
Iran is facing its largest wave of protests since 2009. The demonstrations began more than two weeks ago after traders in Tehran protested against the sharp fall in the Iranian rial. The unrest has since spread nationwide and turned into direct challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership.
Authorities have responded with mass arrests, internet shutdowns and warnings that protesters could face the death penalty.
On Monday, tens of thousands of pro-government supporters gathered in Tehran for a state-organised rally aimed at showing support for the regime.Story continues below this ad
Rising death toll and arrests
Videos shared online show bodies lined up outside a morgue in Tehran. The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights said at least 648 people have been killed during the protests.
Protesters burn the Iranian national flag during a rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government in Paris. (Photo: AP)
Meanwhile, the US-based Human Rights Activs News Agency reported that more than 10,600 people have been arrested Iranian authorities.
Trump repeats warning to Iran
Trump has repeatedly warned Iran over its handling of the protests. Earlier this month, he said the US would intervene if Iranian officials attacked protesters.
Last Friday, he repeated that warning, saying: “You’d better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting too”.
