‘Consequences are very steep’: Trump gives update on US-Iran talks; follows it with stark warning

US President Donald Trump has warned of additional tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran, signing an executive order on Friday that allows duties to be imposed on imports from nations engaging commercially with Tehran, even as he described the ongoing US-Iran talks as “very good”.The executive order does not specify a fixed tariff rate but cites 25% as an example. It states that the measure could apply to goods imported into the United States from any country that “directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran.”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, Trump did not directly address the executive order but reiterated his administration’s core position on Iran, saying there should be “no nuclear weapons” for Tehran, reported the BBC.The tariff warning came as Trump struck an optimistic tone on diplomatic engagement with Iran following indirect talks in Oman. “We, likewise, had very good talks on Iran. Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly. We have to see what that deal is,” he said. “But I think Iran looks like they want to make a deal very badly.”Trump also warned of consequences if negotiations fail. “We have a big armada, and we have a big fleet heading in that direction, gonna be there pretty soon. So we’ll see how that works out,” he added. He said further talks would be held early next week. “They want to make a deal, Iran, as they should want to make a deal. They know the consequences if they don’t. They don’t make a deal, the consequences are very steep.” According to CNN, the US delegation at the Oman talks included presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and US central command commander Admiral Brad Cooper. The US and Iran agreed to hold follow-up discussions after consultations with their respective capitals, an outcome viewed cautiously as positive by both sides.Trump had earlier threatened tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. In a January 12 post on Truth Social, he wrote: “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.” At the time, no details were provided on how the tariffs would be implemented. The White House said the latest executive order reaffirmed the “ongoing national emergency with respect to Iran” and noted that the president may modify it if circumstances change. “The President is holding Iran accountable for its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and regional destabilization that endanger American security, allies, and interests,” it said. US-Iran relations have remained strained for years over Tehran’s nuclear programme, regional influence and sanctions, with periodic escalations alongside intermittent diplomatic efforts. There was no immediate response from Iran to the latest tariff warning.