Marco Rubio Warns Against Helping Iran Evade US Sanctions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he does not believe India and Iran are negotiating a formal trade deal following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He nevertheless warned that countries helping Tehran circumvent US sanctions or create alternative revenue mechanisms could themselves face American penalties.
Rubio Says No India-Iran Trade Deal Under Discussion
Rubio made the remarks after being asked about the Modi-Pezeshkian meeting held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.
He acknowledged that countries pursue independent foreign policies and maintain diplomatic contacts with Iran, noting that Washington itself has held discussions with representatives of the Iranian government.
India and Iran did discuss expanding and diversifying bilateral trade during the Bishkek meeting, but no new comprehensive trade agreement was announced.
Rubio Warns Countries Over Iran Sanctions Evasion
Rubio said the Trump administration’s position remained that no country should help Iran bypass US sanctions or establish mechanisms allowing Tehran to generate revenues restricted by Washington.
He claimed such revenues could be used by Iran to support terrorism or pursue nuclear weapons capabilities. Tehran rejects US accusations that it is seeking a nuclear weapon.
Rubio warned that countries deliberately facilitating sanctions evasion could face secondary US sanctions.
Modi-Pezeshkian Talks Focus on Trade and West Asia
During their meeting, Modi and Pezeshkian reiterated their commitment to strengthening the longstanding India-Iran relationship across multiple sectors.
The leaders discussed bilateral trade, regional developments, tensions in West Asia and the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers.
India maintains important strategic interests in Iran, including connectivity through Chabahar Port, while also sustaining a major economic and strategic partnership with the United States.
