Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Monday that any nation engaging in business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on their business dealings with the United States, effective immediately. The announcement comes as the U.S. closely monitors Iran's response to ongoing anti-government protests.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's proclamation was made via a social media post following comments by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Fox News. Leavitt emphasized that while diplomacy remains President Trump's preferred approach to Iran, military action is also being considered as a potential response.

Trump's post on Truth Social stated, "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." He stressed that this decision is "final and conclusive."

The backdrop to this announcement is the continued unrest in Iran, where hundreds of protesters are reported to have been killed during nationwide demonstrations. These protests are driven by dissatisfaction with economic challenges and other grievances within the country. Earlier this month, Trump warned that the U.S. would intervene if Iran resorted to violence against peaceful demonstrators.