The White House has issued a new executive order aimed at addressing ongoing threats posed by the Government of Iran to the United States. The order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on February 6, 2026, builds upon previous measures and introduces additional tariffs targeting countries that engage in trade with Iran.
According to the order, an extra ad valorem duty—potentially as high as 25 percent—may be imposed on goods imported into the United States from any country that directly or indirectly acquires goods or services from Iran. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with determining which foreign countries are involved in such transactions, in consultation with the Secretary of State and other senior officials as needed.
Once a determination is made that a country has engaged in prohibited transactions with Iran, the Secretary of State will decide whether to recommend imposing additional tariffs. This recommendation will then be reviewed by the President before any action is taken.
The executive order also grants authority to relevant agencies to issue rules and guidance necessary for its implementation. It allows for modification of its provisions if circumstances change or if there is retaliation against U.S. actions.
President Trump stated: "I have received additional information from various senior officials on, among other things, the actions and policies of the Government of Iran, including the circumstances related to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12957 and expanded on in subsequent orders. After considering this additional information, among other things, I find that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12957 and further described in subsequent orders continues and that the actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States."
The order reaffirms previous executive actions dating back to 1995 that identified Iranian government activities as a significant threat to U.S. interests. It also sets out procedures for monitoring compliance and provides mechanisms for further recommendations should current measures prove insufficient.
The new regulations take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 7, 2026.
