The US has imposed a 25 percent tariff on countries trading with Iran

US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on countries that continue to trade with Iran on Monday. The president made the announcement at a time when anti-government protests are ongoing in Iran.

In a post on Social Media Truth, Mr. Trump reiterated that the decision would be "immediately" effective and emphasized that "the order is final and there will be no change."

He said, "This decision will be immediately effective on any country that trades with the Islamic Republic of Iran. A 25 percent tariff will be imposed on any kind of trade with the US. The order is final and decisive."

Mr. Trump has repeatedly warned that if the nationwide protests continue, the US may be forced to take action against Iran. Meanwhile, he also revealed that Tehran has contacted the US for negotiations. When asked if Iran wants negotiations, Mr. Trump said, "Yes, they do. They said Iran called to talk, Iranian leaders called. They want to talk. I think they are tired of the US. Iran wants to negotiate."

The US president also said that while a meeting is being arranged, the situation on the ground may force the US to take action before negotiations.

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised Mr. Trump's decision to impose a 25 percent tariff, calling it a "very effective" step towards economically isolating the Iranian leadership.

In a social media post, Mr. Graham wrote, "Mr. Trump, your decisive leadership in economically isolating this regime through your actions today is very impressive. Your promise to support the protesters and send a clear message that you will not tolerate killing has sparked the largest public movement since the establishment of this extremist government. I believe the Iranian government is crossing all boundaries by killing a large number of its own people, and your leadership is being ignored. Now is the time for decisive military action."

The decision by President Trump could have a significant impact on India, as the country has significant trade relations with Iran in both exports and imports. India is already facing a 50 percent tariff on its exports to the US, 25 percent of which is related to India's purchase of Russian oil, which the US says is helping to fund the war in Ukraine.

Notably, India and Iran are major trade partners, and in recent years, India has been among Iran's top five trade partners.

According to a US-based news agency working for human rights, the US announcement of a 25 percent import tariff on countries trading with Iran comes at a time when the death toll in nationwide protests in Iran has risen to at least 646.

US citizens advised to leave Iran immediately

Washington, January 13 (UNI) The US has advised its citizens to leave Iran immediately. According to media reports, the US Virtual Embassy in Iran on Monday advised its citizens to leave Iran, saying that protests across the country are intensifying and could turn violent.

A statement issued by the US Embassy said that US citizens in Iran should not wait for government assistance and leave Iran immediately. The embassy advised US citizens to leave Iran via land routes through Armenia or Turkey, if possible, and make arrangements that do not rely on US government assistance. Those who do not want to leave Iran should stay indoors in a safe place.

According to a statement issued by the US Embassy, protests in Iran are increasing day by day and could turn violent. Many people have been arrested and many have been injured, roadblocks, public transport shutdowns, and internet outages have disrupted daily life.

US citizens have also been advised not to travel to areas where protests are taking place. It is worth noting that due to the ongoing crisis, many airlines have canceled or suspended flights to Iran at least until January 16.