President Trump signed an Executive Order reaffirming an ongoing national emergency with respect to Iran.
The Order establishes a system to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires goods or services from Iran.
The President may modify the Order in response to changing circumstances, retaliation, or if affected countries take significant steps to address the national emergency.
The Order authorizes the Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative to implement the tariff system and issue rules and guidance.
The fact sheet accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear capabilities, supporting terrorism, developing ballistic missiles, repressing its population, and destabilizing the region.
The document recounts prior administration actions described as restoring 'maximum pressure' on Iran, designating the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and authorizing operations and deployments aimed at countering Iran.
Follow Up Questions
What legal authority allows the president to declare a national emergency and impose tariffs on countries trading with Iran?Expand
The President may declare a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. ch. 34) and then use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) (50 U.S.C. §§1701–1708) to impose economic measures (including import restrictions or tariff-like sanctions) to address threats originating abroad; the White House fact sheet cites those authorities in describing the Order.