Trump: "If They Take Advantage of the U.S., 50% Tariffs"... Tells Iran: "Deal or Finish Them Off"

Seen as underscoring commitment to protect U.S. industry through tariffs
Trilateral talks on Ukraine to be held "soon"

U.S. President Donald Trump said he could raise tariffs to as high as 50% if companies investing in the United States try to take advantage of the country. Ahead of the midterm elections, he appears to be touting tariffs as a means of protecting U.S. industry. He also increased pressure on Iran, invoking both the possibility of a deal and military action.

In an interview with Fox News on the 25th local time, President Trump said the U.S. auto industry had been overtaken by Japan, South Korea, China and others, adding, "I'm getting it all back. They're coming back because they don't want to pay a 25% tariff." He continued, "If they come in and try to take advantage of the United States, I could raise tariffs to 50%."

The remarks are seen not so much as an announcement that tariffs will be raised immediately, but as an effort to emphasize his determination to protect U.S. industry through tariffs ahead of the midterm elections on November 3.

On Iran, he left open both the possibility of military action and the prospect of a deal. In the Fox News interview, President Trump said, "We have to make a decision. Do we finish it off? It's very easy. Or do we make a deal?" Later, when reporters at the White House asked whether an attack on Iran was imminent, he replied, "I'm not going to tell you. There will be no attack today."

On the 23rd, President Trump also suggested that the United States could launch a military operation against Iran. He had said he was weighing whether to reach a deal with Iran or take military action. Bloomberg reported that President Trump had indicated the possibility of resuming attacks on Iran after the November 3 midterm elections.

Some observers expect him to refrain from attacking before the election, considering the potential impact on oil prices and the vote, but the possibility of limited airstrikes in the future remains.

He also said that trilateral talks among the United States, Ukraine and Russia to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine would be held "soon." However, he did not specify when they would take place or what form the negotiations would take.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.