How do Trump's Iran Tariffs impact Law Firms?

Trump just announced more tariffs (shock). This time he's targeting any country trading with Iran.

Here's all you need to know plus what this means for law firms and their clients.

What’s Going On?

Donald Trump has announced a new trade threat: any country that does business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on all goods it exports to the United States. The tariff is said to be “effective immediately” but key details, like which transactions count and how enforcement would work, remain unclear.

This isn’t a direct sanction on Iran but it puts pressure on the country. The idea is simple: make trading with Iran so expensive that other countries back away.

Why is this Happening?

The move comes as Iran faces its biggest wave of unrest in decades. Protests that began over economic collapse and a currency crisis have morphed into open challenges to the regime itself. Hundreds have reportedly been killed, and thousands arrested.

Trump has openly backed protesters and warned Iran against violent crackdowns. The tariff threat is part of a broader strategy to corner Tehran economically and politically, while signalling toughness both at home and abroad.

Who Gets Hit First?

The real targets aren’t just Iran, they’re Iran’s trading partners.

• China is Iran’s largest oil buyer. A fresh 25% tariff on Chinese goods could seriously destabilise the fragile US-China trade truce.
• India has limited trade with Iran, but major strategic exposure through its investment in Chabahar port, a key route into Central Asia.
• Turkey and Middle Eastern states with ongoing commercial ties to Iran could also be caught in the crossfire.

Who can stop these tariffs?

A looming US Supreme Court decision could derail everything. The court is about to rule on whether Trump’s existing global tariffs are lawful. If the justices rein him in, his ability to impose rapid, sweeping duties on Iran’s partners may be sharply limited.

How does this Impact Law Firms?