In his post on Truth Social on January 12, Trump specifically mentioned 25% as a possible rate. The decree also emphasizes that Iran is responsible for its actions related to nuclear ambitions, support for terrorism, and destabilization in the region, which threatens the security of the U.S. and its allies.
Iran has not yet responded to this decision from Washington. According to the latest data, crude oil remains Iran's main export. According to information from Reuters on January 12, about 80% of Iranian oil goes to China. Despite the absence of direct shipments in Chinese customs statistics since 2022, experts believe that the oil is transshipped in other countries and then documented as products from Malaysia or Indonesia.
Trump did not directly comment on the decree; however, in a conversation with journalists aboard the plane, he reiterated his position on Iran, stating: "No nuclear weapons."
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran took place in Oman after several weeks of mutual threats. The head of the Iranian delegation, Abbas Araghchi, called the meeting a "promising beginning" and noted the positive atmosphere. Trump, in turn, characterized the negotiations as "very good." The U.S. side was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
However, shortly after the negotiations concluded, the U.S. announced new sanctions against a number of vessels and legal entities involved in transporting Iranian oil.
Washington intended to discuss not only the nuclear program with Tehran but also issues related to the missile and ballistic program and support for armed groups in the Middle East. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized this two days before the dialogue began.
Tehran, on the other hand, was only willing to discuss the nuclear program, pointing to its commitment to it and refusing to discuss other topics, including missile-related issues.
A regional diplomat familiar with Iran's position told Reuters that the missile program was not discussed at the meeting in Muscat. He also added that Tehran insisted on recognition of its right to enrich uranium but was open to compromises on the level of enrichment.
Enriched uranium can be used to create nuclear weapons, although Iran claims that its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful.
