Russia Condemns Trump’s 25% Iran Trade Tariff as Blackmail
Moscow Rejects US Economic Pressure
Russia on Tuesday criticized US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, calling the measure an attempt to “blackmail” Tehran’s international partners.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that Western sanctions on Iran are “illegal” and harm ordinary Iranian citizens by blocking economic growth and creating social difficulties.
“Foreign forces hostile to Iran are trying to exploit social tensions to destabilize the country,” Zakharova said, referring to tactics reminiscent of “color revolutions.” She condemned external interference in Iran’s political affairs and emphasized that the Iranian government is pursuing constructive dialogue to mitigate the effects of Western pressure.
Warning Against Military Threats
Zakharova also rejected US threats of military strikes, calling them “categorically unacceptable” and warning that such actions could have serious consequences for the Middle East and global security.
She added: “We firmly reject attempts to blackmail Iran’s foreign partners with higher trade tariffs,” highlighting Russia’s opposition to unilateral economic pressure against Tehran.
Context of US Tariff Threats
Trump announced the proposed 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran amid ongoing anti-government protests in the country. These protests began last month following severe economic decline and a historic collapse of Iran’s national currency, the rial.
Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of supporting armed rioters during the unrest.
While official casualty figures remain unavailable, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates at least 646 deaths, including protesters and security personnel, with over 1,000 injured. HRANA also reported more than 10,700 arrests across 585 locations, spanning 187 cities in all 31 provinces.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE