People gather at a pro-government rally in Tehran on January 12, 2026. Photo: VCG

"China firmly opposes any illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in the US said on Tuesday via his X following the US president announced to slap a 25 percent tariff on Iran's business partners.  

"China's position against the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs is consistent and clear. Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners, and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems. Protectionism harms the interests of all parties," Liu continued in the X post. 

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that countries that do business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff when doing business with the US, after claiming last night that he is looking at a number of "very strong" options to hit Iran for its handling of the protests. 

It is not clear which countries might be affected, but major economies such as Russia, China, Brazil and Turkey all trade with Iran. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are also important trading partners, according to the database Trading Economics, Al Jazeera reported.

According to media reports on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Iran has issued an urgent directive for all American citizens to evacuate the country immediately, citing escalating protests that could potentially turn violent, leading to arrests and injuries.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has ratcheted up pressure on Tehran and threatened further military strikes on the country, should it fail to abide by US demands to wind down its nuclear and military programs.

Iranians from all walks of life are taking part in nationwide rallies to denounce what they call recent foreign-backed riots, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic, PressTV reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the Iranian Armed Forces, backed by the nation, are fully prepared to repel any act of aggression against the country.

 
Global Times