The European Commission (EC) on Saturday strongly deplored the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on steel imports from 25 percent to 50 percent, warning that the move could trigger swift European retaliatory measures.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had planned to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent.
In a post on his Truth social platform, Trump said that the new rate would take effect on June 4.
The U.S. decision adds further uncertainty to the global economy, increases costs for consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, and undermines ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated agreement, a Commission spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The spokesperson also said that the European Union (EU) is prepared to impose countermeasures, including in response to the latest U.S. tariff increase. The EC is currently finalizing consultations on expanded countermeasures, the spokesperson said, adding that if no mutually acceptable solution is reached, both existing and additional EU measures will automatically take effect on July 14, or earlier, if circumstances require. While leading a European delegation in Washington, Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, on Friday reiterated the EU's commitment to resolving trade disputes through negotiation. However, he stressed that the bloc would not hesitate to take retaliatory measures if required.
He also said on Saturday that the EU is ready to retaliate immediately if the United States proceeds with the tariff increase.
EU condemns U.S. steel tariff hike, prepares countermeasures
EU condemns U.S. steel tariff hike, prepares countermeasures
EU condemns U.S. steel tariff hike, prepares countermeasures
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
