US PresidentDonald Trumpon Sunday threatened China with “staggering” new tariffs if Beijing provides military assistance to Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict.During an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, host Maria Bartiromo asked Trump whether his warning of a 50% tariff on countries aiding Iran was aimed at China.”Yes, China and potentially others. But specifically, yes, China is included,” Trump replied.”I’ve heard reports, and I don’t always trust news reports, claiming that China is giving shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. I’m not sure that’s accurate. I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship and I think they wouldn’t do that, but maybe they did a little bit at the beginning, but I don’t think they would anymore,” he said.He reiterated the warning, saying, “If we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff, which is a staggering, that’s a staggering amount.”
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Trump Raises Worldwide Tariffs From 10% To 15% A Day After Supreme Court Ruling
Speaking about negotiations, Trump expressed confidence that Iran would return to the table. “I predict they come back and they give us everything we want,” he said, adding, “I want everything… They have no cards.”Defending his hardline rhetoric, including his earlier warning that a “whole civilization will die tonight,” Trump said such statements had pushed Tehran towards talks.”That statement got them to the bargaining table, and they haven’t left it,” he added.Trump reiterated that the United States has the capability to cripple Iran’s infrastructure in a short time. “I could take out Iran in one day,” the US president said.”In one hour, I could have their entire energy, everything, every one of their electric generating plants, which is a big deal. I hate to do it because if I do it, it takes you 10 years to rebuild.They’ll never be able to. And the other thing you take out are their bridges. I took out one just to show them,” he added, warning that such damage could take years to rebuild.
Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate
The US president also announced steps to secure the Strait of Hormuz and America and its allies would deploy minesweepers to clear Iranian mines.”We have minesweepers there… and we’re also bringing in more traditional minesweepers,” he said, adding that countries like the UK are also contributing.Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Trump declared a tougher stance saying, “Effective immediately, the United States Navy… will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.””Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” he added.Accusing Tehran of restricting maritime traffic and potentially charging tolls, Trump said, “THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION.”He also warned that vessels paying such tolls would be intercepted.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards hit back, saying they have full control over the strategic waterway and warning of severe consequences for any hostile action.The remarks come after a marathon 21-hour round of talks in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough in ending the six-week conflict.US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said Washington had made its “final and best offer,” adding, “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”
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