Trump vows 25% tariff on goods from Iran's ‘business’ partners
Regional stability hinges on credible deterrence and strategic partnerships with key allies.
The early coverage treats this tariff threat as just another Trump provocation, as if the only story is political theater. That framing skips the uncomfortable reality that Iran’s regime keeps funding its security apparatus and proxies through commercial relationships that too often get a pass in the name of “normal” trade. A tariff on Iran’s business partners is blunt, and blunt tools can create collateral costs.
New Republican Times Editorial Board
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said he is imposing a 25% tariff on goods from countries “doing business” with Iran, ratcheting up pressure on the government in Tehran that has been rocked by widespread protests.
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New Republican Times Editorial Board
The early coverage treats this tariff threat as just another Trump provocation, as if the only story is political theater. That framing skips the uncomfortable reality that Iran’s regime keeps funding its security apparatus and proxies through commercial relationships that too often get a pass in the name of “normal” trade.
A tariff on Iran’s business partners is blunt, and blunt tools can create collateral costs. But conservatives have a legitimate question: why should countries enjoy access to American consumers while also helping Tehran earn hard currency? If sanctions are porous, they become symbolism, not policy.
The principle here is national security through credible economic pressure, paired with rule of law that is applied consistently. If the goal is to deter aggression and constrain the regime, measures must be enforceable and clear, not performative.
What matters most is public trust that our trade policy serves American interests first, and that we do not subsidize adversaries through complacency.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.