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US President Donald Trump targets Iran's trade partners with a 25% tariff, potentially impacting Nigeria's growing ties.

The President made this known through a social media post on Monday, declaring that the new trade measures take effect immediately. 

He described the order as "final and conclusive," signaling a significant escalation in Washington's strategy to isolate Tehran economically.  

This decision comes as Iran faces weeks of intense anti-government protests. The unrest, fueled by a deep currency crisis and worsening living conditions, is being hailed as the most significant challenge to the Iranian regime in decades.  

While the policy targets Iran, the "spillover" effect could hit home here in Nigeria. Recent data shows that trade between Nigeria and Iran has hit approximately $1.2 billion, with a strong focus on non-oil commodities.

In fact, Nigeria has become a central part of Iran’s African trade strategy. Just last year, Iran exported over $46 million worth of goods to Nigeria in just seven months. 

With these deepening ties, Nigerian businesses trading with the Middle Eastern nation may find themselves in the crosshairs of this new US policy.  

This isn't the first time the Trump administration has used aggressive tariffs as a diplomatic tool. Similar levies have already been slapped on countries like India for their oil deals with Russia.

Closer to home, several African nations, including Nigeria and Ghana, were previously hit with 15% tariffs as part of a tougher US trade stance. 

This latest move adds another layer of uncertainty for Nigerian exporters already navigating a difficult global economy.  

However, there is a catch. The US Supreme Court is currently deliberating on whether the President actually has the legal power to impose these global tariffs unilaterally.  

A ruling is expected this Wednesday. If the court rules against the President, it could significantly limit his ability to enforce these "immediate" taxes, providing a much-needed breather for international trading partners.