U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order threatening to impose tariffs on countries trading with Iran amid the ongoing the talks with Iran.
In a statement shared on Saturday, February 7, the White House said the rate will be determined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, although the order specifies that it could be, for example, 25 % the level stated earlier.
“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.”
More than a quarter of Iran’s trade is with China, with $18 billion in imports and $14.5 billion in exports in 2024, and with Turkey, 10%. Iran also does business with Kenya in Tea exportation.
The U.S has held talks with Iran mediated by Oman, which were the first between the two foes since the United States joined Israel’s war with Iran in June with strikes on nuclear sites.
“We likewise had very good talks on Iran. We’re going to meet again early next week,” Said Trump.
The diplomatic relations between Iran and the US broke down with the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought the current government into power after hostages were taken at the US embassy in Tehran for 444 days.
Trump Signs Tariffs on Countries Still Doing Business With Iran
According to the U.S, the action is part of a broader effort to counter what it described as Iran’s malign influence, including Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and regional destabilization.
The U.S administration has accused Iran of backing proxy militant groups across the Middle East, oppressing its own population, and diverting resources toward nuclear and missile programmes instead of domestic needs.
Also Read: Iran Issues New Tough Conditions to Trump and the U.S.
In addition, the U.S stated that these actions constitute an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, its allies, and interests, requiring a sustained and intensified response.
Trump also pointed to recent US military and diplomatic actions, including operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the deployment of additional US forces to the region, aimed at pressuring Tehran to negotiate a deal that would permanently block its nuclear ambitions.
He issued a security alert for Iran, warning of heightened security measures, internet disruptions, flight cancellations, and nationwide restrictions on communications. The advisory urged US citizens to leave Iran immediately if it is safe to do so, avoid demonstrations, maintain a low profile, and prepare for prolonged disruptions.
The signing of the executive order follows Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and identifying the Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.
Kenya’s Strategic Partnership with Iran
In November 2025, Kenya’s efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy and broaden agricultural trade received a significant boost when the State Department for Cabinet Affairs helped steer a series of high-level engagements during the country’s official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The mission aimed to consolidate longstanding commercial ties and unlock new avenues for cooperation in trade, technology, and development.
The event served as a strategic forum for renewed dialogue on the future of the Kenya–Iran tea trade, a sector that has historically linked the two nations and remains central to Kenya’s export economy.
In addition, the discussions explored opportunities for value addition, improved supply chain coordination, and alignment of regulatory frameworks, core issues that have influenced the competitiveness and sustainability of Kenyan tea exports.
Beyond trade, the visit highlighted Kenya’s broader diplomatic ambition to expand cooperation into high-impact development sectors. A major stop for the delegation was the Iran House of Technology and Innovation (IHTI), a leading centre for applied research, industrial innovation, and technology transfer.
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