New Delhi: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned India and other countries against helping Iran evade American sanctions or create new sources of revenue.
His comments came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek.
Rubio made the remarks during an interview with Brian Kilmeade on The Brian Kilmeade Show. He was asked whether India sought a new trade arrangement with Iran.
“Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran,” Rubio said. He added that countries had the right to pursue independent foreign policies and maintain contact with Tehran.
Sanctions warning issued
Rubio said the US had also held discussions with representatives of the Iranian government.
“I mean, we’ve met with elements of the Iranian regime as well, in terms of some of these discussions that have occurred and there’s been contact with them,” he said.
However, he warned against economic activities that could help Tehran bypass sanctions.
“I think what ultimately happens though is – and the President’s been very clear – is no country should be helping Iran evade sanctions. 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,” Rubio said.
“And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too,” he said.
The warning came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched “Operation Economic Outcast” on August 24. He described the campaign as an “economic D-Day” aimed at cutting Iran’s remaining economic links. Washington has warned that countries and companies that conduct business with Iran could face secondary sanctions.
PM Modi meets Pezeshkian
PM Modi met Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. They discussed plans to expand and diversify trade between India and Iran. They also exchanged views on the West Asia conflict.
“Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India’s long standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors. We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come. We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace,” Modi said in a social media post.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi called for dialogue and diplomacy. He also stressed the need to protect commercial vessels, seafarers and civilians.
Iran seeks Indian role
Pezeshkian thanked India for its cooperation and asked New Delhi to use its diplomatic ties to help reduce tensions in West Asia, according to an Iranian account of the meeting.
“From the very beginning of our administration, our efforts have been focused on ensuring peace and security and resolving issues through dialogue and negotiations,” Pezeshkian said. Iran also rejected Washington’s latest sanctions campaign. Its Foreign Ministry accused the US of violating international law and said sovereign countries would not accept such pressure.
