Blog

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday asked India and other countries against helping Iran evade US sanctions or generate revenue, days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Rubio made the remarks in an interview with Brian Kilmeade on The Brian Kilmeade Show, after being asked about PM Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian and whether India was seeking a new trade arrangement with Iran.

“Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran,” Rubio said.

He acknowledged that countries have the right to pursue their own foreign policies and maintain relations with Tehran, but said Washington would take action against countries that helped Iran circumvent US sanctions.

“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.”

“And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too,” he added.

Rubio said Washington was aware that countries around the world continued to maintain contact with Iran. He noted that the US itself had engaged with Iranian representatives during previous discussions.

His comments come as the Donald Trump administration has intensified its economic pressure on Iran and warned countries and companies doing business with Tehran that they could face secondary sanctions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched what he called “Operation Economic Outcast” on 24 August, describing the campaign as an “economic D-Day” aimed at cutting off Iran’s remaining economic lifelines.

Modi-Pezeshkian Meeting

Rubio’s comments came days after PM Modi met Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.

The two leaders discussed India-Iran relations, including plans to expand and diversify bilateral trade. They also exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia and the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers.

“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,” PM Modi said in a social media post.

“We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace,” he added.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi had expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated New Delhi’s position that disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders also discussed the safety of commercial vessels as continuing conflict in West Asia affects maritime traffic.

Modi stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation and commerce and called for civilians, civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping to remain outside the scope of attacks.

“Calling for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce, he emphasised that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances,” the ministry said.

Iran Seeks India’s Diplomatic Help

Pezeshkian thanked India for its support and cooperation and called on New Delhi to use its diplomatic relationships to help ease tensions in West Asia, according to an Iranian readout 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.

He criticised Washington’s approach towards Tehran, saying the US had chosen confrontation instead of diplomacy.

“Unfortunately, instead of making use of diplomatic mechanisms, the Americans have chosen the path of war, insecurity and imposing their will through force,” he said.

Pezeshkian said Iran did not seek war and that Tehran’s priority was protecting its people while creating conditions for peace and stability.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has remained committed to the obligations it has undertaken within the framework of the agreements, but unfortunately, the American side has failed to fulfill its commitments,” he said.

Tehran Rejects US Sanctions

Iran has rejected Washington’s latest sanctions campaign, with its Foreign Ministry accusing the US of undermining international law.

“No honourable state that values its sovereignty and national interests will accept the normalisation of such gross lawlessness and systematic bullying,” the ministry said.

Iranian officials have also said the country can withstand the economic pressure and argued that US sanctions will not force its trading partners to end their relationships with Tehran.

source