Trump threatens Russia with fresh sanctions, tariffs; writes to Iran seeking nuclear deal
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is "strongly considering" imposing sanctions, including ones on banking, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine.
Trump has also paused military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine to pressure Kyiv to accept a ceasefire deal after an explosive Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy a week ago.
"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED," Trump said. "To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!" Trump has faced criticism for doubling down on Ukraine, including his comment last month that Kyiv, not Russia, was responsible for starting the war.
Trump's threat to impose sanctions and tariffs on Russia comes days after Reuters reported that the White House was drawing up a plan to potentially give Russia sanctions relief as part of the administration's push to end the war and improve diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow.
Russia, one of the world's biggest oil producers, is subject to wide-ranging sanctions imposed by the United States and partners after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
US sanctions on Russia include measures aimed at limiting its oil and gas revenues, including a cap of $60 per barrel on Russia's oil exports.
Former President Joe Biden also hit Moscow with designations on Russian energy companies and vessels that shipped its oil, including Washington's toughest-yet measures, on January 10 shortly before leaving office.
Trump says he sent letter to Iran leader to negotiate nuclear deal
Meanwhile, Trump said he wants to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and sent a letter to its leadership this week suggesting talks with the Islamic Republic, which the West fears is rapidly nearing the capability to make atomic weapons.
"I said I hope you're going to negotiate, because it's going to be a lot better for Iran," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday.
"I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you can't let another nuclear weapon."
Iran has not yet received the letter, Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said on Friday. There was no immediate response from the foreign ministry in Iran, where it is the weekend, to a request for comment on Trump's remarks.
Iran's Nour News, affiliated with the country's top security body, dismissed Trump's letter as a "repetitive show" by Washington.
Asked whether he had sent the letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's fiercely anti-Western Supreme Leader, Trump said, "Yes."
"There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal," Trump said. "I would prefer to make a deal, because I'm not looking to hurt Iran. They're great people." In the interview, conducted on Thursday, Trump said he sent the letter "yesterday", indicating Wednesday.
Western officials fear a nuclear-armed Iran could threaten Israel, Gulf Arab oil producers, and spark a regional arms race.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
