'No exclusion, no exemption': Trump slaps 50% tariff on countries supplying weapons to Iran

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that goods from any country that supplies weapons to Iran will be subject to a 50 per cent tariff. This levy will take effect immediately, without "exclusions or exemptions", wrote Trump on social networking platform Truth Social.

However, it could not be ascertained whether the tax will apply to goods from countries that are currently supplying weapons to Iran or those that have done so in the past.

"A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50 per cent, effective immediately. There will be no exclusions or exemptions!" he wrote, without elaborating.

The development follows an earlier claim by the American president that Iran had agreed to halt its uranium enrichment program as part of an agreement, saying that talks were on over potential tariff reductions and sanctions relief.

'50% tariff on all goods from such countries, no exceptions'

Trump made it clear that all goods -- not just defence- or military-related supplies -- entering the US from such countries will be taxed at this rate, and will not be limited to any particular product category.

Experts say that the US is attempting to deter military support to Tehran amid ongoing tensions.

First major policy annoucement after two-week ceasefire

The Trump 2.0 administration's sweeping 50 per cent levy on Iran's weapon suppliers comes hours after both sides agreed to a two-week ceasefire after five straight weeks of escalations since joint US-Israel strikes against Iran killed its Supreme Leader on February 28, triggered Tehran's retaliatory strikes against several Middle Eastern countries and left the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked.

Trump linked the ceasefire to a pact between both sides to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations to explore a broader peace deal.

Strait of Hormuz part of ceasefire conditions

At the centre of the West Asia conflict has been the Strait of Hormuz -- a maritime region connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Under normal circumstances, the sea route enables the supplies of about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies.

Last month, the number of ships passing through the region daily was reportedly reduced to three from a peacetime average of 136.

Data on the current vessel traffic in the region was not available.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the development:

How long will the ceasefire last?

Both sides have agreed to a two-week-long ceasefire, according to Trump.

Has Iran agreed?

Yes. However, Iran has said that it will honour the ceasefire as long as it is not attacked by the other side.

Is the conflict fully resolved?

No.

Several issues appear to be unaddressed.

What is the global impact?

Energy markets were disrupted due to the Strait blockade; some relief is expected now.

What does this mean for India?

India has secured supplies, avoided shortages, and advised citizens against panic buying.