Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Trading with Iran; Uber Ordered to Pay $8.5M in Rape Case
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a move that could escalate tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday threatening to impose tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Iran, according to BBC World. The order, which does not specify the exact rate but uses 25% as an example, targets goods imported into the U.S. from any nation that "directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran." Simultaneously, a U.S. court ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million to a woman who claimed she was raped by a driver, a ruling that could influence thousands of other cases against the company, as reported by BBC Technology.
The executive order regarding Iran comes amid ongoing talks between senior U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman, following weeks of escalating threats from both sides, according to BBC World. While Trump has not directly commented on the order, he reiterated his stance of "no nuclear weapons" for Iran when speaking from Air Force One on Friday night.
The Uber case, heard in Arizona, saw a jury deliberate for two days before finding the ride-sharing company responsible for the driver's actions, according to BBC Technology. The plaintiff, Jaylynn Dean, said she was sexually assaulted in the car. Uber has stated its intention to appeal the verdict. The jury rejected additional claims made in the lawsuit, including that Uber had been negligent and that its safety systems were defective.
In other news, Japan is heading to the polls again on Sunday for its second general election in as many years, as reported by BBC World. Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, is betting on her personal popularity to deliver a clear public mandate for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Meanwhile, Gazans returning through the Rafah crossing with Egypt described checks by a Palestinian militia, according to BBC World. Lamia Rabia, who was traveling with her children, said they were escorted by Israeli forces to a nearby checkpoint where members of the Abu Shabab militia searched them and their belongings.
The question of U.S. intervention in Iran is a personal one for some Iranians, as reported by BBC World. Mojdeh, who was visiting family in Tehran in early January, found herself stranded when protests spread and flights were canceled. "Life was on pause," she said, especially at night when internet and phone networks went dark.
AI-Assisted Journalism
This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment