President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, effective immediately, to ramp up pressure on the regime amid ongoing mass protests. The order, posted on Truth Social, targets key partners like China, India, Turkey, UAE, Russia, and Brazil, which import Iranian oil and goods despite sanctions.

Protests erupted December 28 over the collapsing rial but have grown into direct challenges to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, spreading to 186 cities across all 31 provinces. Activists report at least 544 deaths—including 496 protesters and 48 security forces—plus over 10,600 arrests, though blackouts hinder verification and tolls may be higher.

Trump revealed Iran reached out Saturday for nuclear talks, with a meeting possibly set up, but warned action like airstrikes could precede it. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed military options remain open, while diplomacy is preferred; Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claims control and blames the U.S. and Israel.

India risks compounded impact, already facing 50% tariffs for Russian oil buys, while China—as Iran's top oil buyer at $32.5B—faces new strains post-trade truce. No enforcement details released yet.