Iraq has dismissed US President Donald Trump's decision to impose 25% tariffs on countries maintaining trade relations with Iran, with political analysts describing the measure as a violation of sovereignty principles, state INA reported on January 16.

Muayad Abdullah, an Iraqi political analyst, said the principle of sovereignty grants each country full rights to select its political and economic partners according to national interests without external pressure.

"Every state possesses its sovereignty and independence of decision, and has the right to deal economically, politically and culturally with whomever it wishes, whether Iran or others, as long as this serves the interests of its people and falls within the framework of legitimate international relations," Abdullah said.

He stressed Iraq is not subordinate to any party and must build relationships primarily with neighbouring countries due to geographical proximity, historical ties and shared interests, including Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other regional states.

Kazem Miqdad, an economic researcher, said Trump's repeated statements regarding unilateral sanctions do not serve US standing or enhance international confidence in the administration.

"Each country has its own national interests and knows best how to manage them, and no external party can impose its vision," he said.

Miqdad noted clear international dissatisfaction with Trump's approach, adding that European positions within the European Union are beginning to form against these policies. He said clearer steps are expected during the coming period regarding the US approach, which could negatively affect bilateral relations.

Trump announced on January 12 that any country trading with Iran would pay 25% tariffs on all commercial transactions with the United States, describing the decision as final and binding.

The Iran Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) previously reported non-oil export revenues exceeded $16.5bn during the second quarter of 2025, with Iraq ranking as the second-largest importer of Iranian goods during that period.