Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Hi, I'm Kim Vinnell in Whanganui, New Zealand. It's Tuesday, January 13th. Today, Trump threatens countries doing business with Iran with a 25% tariff. Mark Kelly sues Pete Hegsep for trying to drop his military rank. The Supreme Court takes up the battle over trans athletes in school sports. And France's Marine Le Pen appeals her corruption conviction.
Chapter 2: What are the implications of Trump's 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran?
This is Reuters World News, bringing you everything you need to know from the front lines in 10 minutes, seven days a week. U.S. President Donald Trump is ratcheting up 25% tariffs on any country that does business with Iran. The move posted on Truth Social comes as Iran continues its deadly crackdown on protesters. Hundreds have been killed as Iran aims to quell outcry in the country.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt says the Trump administration is in communication with Tehran, despite the Islamic Republic's attempt to suppress the demonstrations.
What you're hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite differently from the messages the administration is receiving privately. And I think the president has an interest in exploring those messages.
One of Trump's options is military strikes. But as our White House reporter Steve Holland explains, that's not the only option.
Now, we are told that the options include other things like boosting anti-government sources online, use of cyber weapons against Iranian military and civilian sites, and putting more sanctions on the regime. The cyber attacks could include trying to shut down various buildings, infrastructure in Iran, but the Iranian regime has cut off Internet access to the citizens there.
So that may be of limited use there. There's always a number of military targets that the U.S. are looking at that could put pressure on the regime. Short term, they'd love to help the protesters somehow. Long term, they are looking for ways to pressure Khomeini and his regime into getting him to step down.
But as a caveat, you have to think about what would come in the vacuum created by Khomeini's departure. So it's going to take a lot of very close diplomatic skills. The son of the late Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, who lives in the United States, is presenting himself as a potential opposition leader. Now, Trump so far has declined a meeting with him.
But if this progresses further, you could see that happening in the future.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is suing Pete Hegseth, saying the defense secretary violated his free speech rights. The Pentagon is attempting to demote Kelly from his rank of retired Navy captain. The action came after Kelly joined other lawmakers in urging troops to push back on orders to deploy in U.S.
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