President Trump has announced potential secondary tariffs on Russian oil, citing frustration with Ukraine negotiations. He expressed the possibility of imposing tariffs of 25 to 50 percent if Russia impedes peace efforts. Mr. Trump also hinted at similar measures against Iran during ongoing nuclear negotiations, emphasizing a readiness to act militarily if discussions do not yield success.
President Trump has articulated his most pointed criticism of President Vladimir Putin thus far, threatening to impose “secondary tariffs” on Russian oil if negotiations regarding a peace deal in Ukraine falter. During an interview on “Meet the Press,” he expressed growing discontent regarding the ongoing negotiations, stating that tariffs ranging from 25 to 50 percent could be enacted at any time contingent upon Russia’s actions.
Mr. Trump emphasized his willingness to act if he determines Russia is at fault for the continued violence in Ukraine, asserting, “If I think it was Russia’s fault… I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia.” Previous references to secondary tariffs indicate their application to imports from countries transacting with targeted nations in his foreign policy. The White House has yet to provide a response to inquiries about these comments.
Notably, Mr. Trump’s remarks come despite his historical alignment with Mr. Putin and the U.S. government’s unwavering support for Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The former president has refrained from acknowledging Russia’s role as the aggressor in the conflict and has previously mischaracterized Ukraine’s leadership. His recent statements underscore his commitment to employing tariffs as a means of influencing foreign policy outcomes, indicating potential secondary tariffs on Iran as well unless they progress in nuclear negotiations.
In his conversation, Mr. Trump expressed his frustration towards Mr. Putin, particularly concerning remarks made about President Zelensky, suggesting that such comments could undermine the likelihood of an agreement. He remarked, “New leadership means you’re not going to have a deal for a long time, right?” There exists a fragile truce between Russia and Ukraine but it falls short of the comprehensive ceasefire sought by Trump administration officials.
Regarding Iran, Mr. Trump conveyed that while negotiations are underway, he is prepared for military action if peaceful measures fail, stating, “If they don’t make a deal… there will be bombing.” He previously reached out directly to Iran’s supreme leader urging for discussions aimed at curbing their nuclear development, as he advocates for diplomacy over military options.
Mr. Trump’s mention of imposing secondary tariffs on Russia and Iran illustrates his strategy of applying economic pressure on other nations. He also recently issued an executive order aimed at countries purchasing Venezuelan oil, threatening tariffs on their imports to the U.S. These actions reflect his approach to utilizing economic sanctions to achieve foreign policy objectives, although experts have raised concerns about the enforcement of existing sanctions related to Russia and Iran.
In summary, President Trump’s recent statements regarding secondary tariffs on Russia’s oil highlight his critical stance towards President Putin and reflect his impatience with ongoing negotiations about Ukraine. He indicated readiness to impose substantial tariffs if deemed necessary. His comments also extend to Iran, where he has suggested potential military options should diplomatic efforts fail. This strategy showcases Trump’s inclination to leverage economic measures against nations that do not align with U.S. foreign policy goals.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
