DNNPOST 07/02/2026 China and Russia have pushed back against a U.S. plan to impose a 25 percent tariff on countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran, calling it unlawful pressure and unilateral action that undermines international trade norms.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order giving U.S. authorities authority to levy additional tariffs of up to 25 percent on imports from countries that directly or indirectly trade with Iran, as part of Washington’s response to unrest in the country and efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
The move expands a hardline U.S. stance and could affect major trading partners that continue economic engagement with Iran.
Beijing condemned the proposal, saying it opposes “any illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction” and warning that “tariff wars and trade wars have no winners.” A Chinese embassy spokesperson said the country would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in response to the U.S. threat.
Separately in Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it rejected what it described as attempts to “blackmail Iran’s partners” and condemned external interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
A Russian spokesperson called the U.S. threats of new tariffs and military pressure “categorically unacceptable” and said they could have serious consequences for regional stability and global security.
The tariff threat, which has already sparked warnings of retaliation, underscores rising global tensions over U.S. efforts to isolate Iran economically and reduce its influence.
Critics say unilateral measures risk disrupting global trade and may prompt diplomatic backlash from key trading partners with longstanding economic ties to Tehran.
