Washington DC/IBNS-CMEDIA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned countries against helping Iran circumvent American sanctions, saying nations that create mechanisms for Tehran to generate revenue could themselves face US sanctions.
Rubio’s remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, amid reports of expanding India-Iran economic engagement.
Rubio dismisses reports of India-Iran trade deal
Asked whether India and Iran were working towards a new trade arrangement, Rubio said he did not believe such a deal was currently being negotiated.
“Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran,” Rubio said in an interview with The Brian Kilmeade Show.
At the same time, he acknowledged that countries have their own foreign policies and that several nations maintain diplomatic and other contacts with Tehran.
“Obviously, there are — countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime,” Rubio said.
His comments came shortly after Modi and Pezeshkian discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding and diversifying trade between India and Iran.
‘No country should help Iran evade sanctions’
Rubio reiterated US President Donald Trump’s position that countries should not assist Tehran in bypassing American sanctions or establish channels that could provide Iran with additional revenues.
“I think what ultimately happens though is — and the President’s been very clear — is no country should be helping Iran evade sanctions,” Rubio said.
“No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue that they will then use to sponsor terrorism and try to build a nuclear weapon,” he added.
Rubio warned that countries choosing to facilitate such mechanisms could themselves face American punitive measures.
“And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too,” he said.
Modi-Pezeshkian discuss trade and West Asia
During their meeting in Bishkek, Modi and Pezeshkian reviewed bilateral relations as well as developments in West Asia.
Modi said India was committed to strengthening its long-standing friendship with Iran and expanding and diversifying the bilateral trade basket.
The two leaders also discussed the regional conflict, with Modi reiterating India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
India also stressed the importance of protecting civilians, commercial shipping and seafarers and ensuring freedom of navigation and commerce in the region.
Modi further conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the upcoming BRICS Summit.
Iran-US tensions remain high
Rubio’s warning comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The United States has intensified its economic and military pressure on Iran, while the conflict has raised concerns over maritime security and the movement of energy and commercial shipments through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Trump administration has maintained that its pressure campaign is aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and restricting Tehran’s ability to finance what Washington describes as terrorism and destabilising activities in the region.
Iran, meanwhile, has continued to call for diplomacy while demanding that Washington honour commitments under an interim agreement reached earlier this year. Iranian President Pezeshkian has said Tehran is prepared to reciprocate if the US fulfils its commitments.
Rubio reiterates US nuclear red line
Rubio also made clear that the Trump administration would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
The US position marks one of the central fault lines in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with the Trump administration combining economic pressure and sanctions with military pressure while continuing to leave the door open to diplomacy.
For India, the situation presents a delicate diplomatic and economic balancing act. New Delhi maintains long-standing strategic and commercial ties with Tehran while also having deepening economic and strategic relations with Washington.
The latest developments therefore put greater focus on how India can maintain its engagement with Iran, particularly on trade, connectivity and regional stability, while navigating the US sanctions regime.
