US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he does not believe India and Iran are discussing a formal trade deal, while warning countries against helping Tehran bypass US sanctions. Rubio made the remarks during an interview on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio. He was responding to a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.
“Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran. Obviously, there are countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime,” Rubio said. The comments came after Modi and Pezeshkian discussed ways to strengthen India-Iran economic relations. Modi said India wanted to “expand and diversify” its trade basket with Iran. However, Rubio’s statement indicates that Washington does not view the discussions as evidence of a formal trade agreement between the two countries.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Rubio Says Countries Have Their Own Foreign Policy
Rubio acknowledged that countries around the world maintain their own diplomatic relationships and make independent foreign-policy decisions. He also pointed out that the United States has itself maintained contact with Iranian representatives during discussions related to the ongoing conflict.
“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.” His comments underline the difference between maintaining diplomatic communication with Tehran and entering into economic arrangements that Washington believes could undermine its sanctions regime.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Rubio Warns Countries Against Helping Iran Evade Sanctions
Rubio also issued a strong warning to countries that assist Iran in finding ways to avoid US sanctions. He said US President Donald Trump had made Washington’s position clear and that governments should not create mechanisms that allow Tehran to generate additional revenue.
“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 added. The warning comes as Washington continues to maintain economic pressure on Tehran. The US has used sanctions as a major tool to restrict Iran’s access to international financial and energy markets.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: What Happened At Modi-Pezeshkian Meeting?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek during the SCO Summit. The meeting came amid continuing tensions and military confrontation involving Iran and the United States. The discussions covered India-Iran bilateral ties as well as the broader security situation in West Asia. Modi said India wanted to “expand and diversify” its trade basket with Iran. He also reiterated New Delhi’s support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region. The two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict and stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation. The meeting was significant for India because instability in West Asia could affect shipping routes, energy supplies and global trade.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Iran Seeks India’s Help To End Fighting
Pezeshkian urged Modi to use India’s extensive diplomatic contacts with countries involved in the conflict to encourage dialogue. Iran wants India to play a constructive role in efforts to reduce tensions and help bring an end to the fighting. New Delhi has consistently supported dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred way to resolve conflicts in West Asia. India has also called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during the ongoing hostilities. India’s diplomatic position allows it to maintain communication with different sides while continuing to safeguard its economic and strategic interests.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: Chabahar Port Remains Key For India-Iran Ties
Chabahar Port is another important part of India’s relationship with Iran. The Iranian port provides India with an important connectivity route toward Afghanistan and Central Asia. New Delhi has invested in developing the port and views it as strategically important for expanding regional trade and connectivity.
However, US sanctions on Iran have created challenges for businesses and projects linked to the country. India has continued discussions with Iran and other stakeholders regarding the future and sustainable operation of Chabahar Port. The project is particularly important for India because it provides an alternative route to Central Asia without relying on land routes through Pakistan.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: India Balances Relations With US And Iran
Rubio’s remarks highlight the diplomatic challenge facing India as the US-Iran confrontation continues. India has longstanding economic and strategic ties with Iran, including cooperation on trade, connectivity and Chabahar Port. At the same time, New Delhi has developed a strong strategic partnership with Washington.
The possibility of tougher US sanctions against countries or entities helping Iran evade restrictions could therefore complicate India’s economic engagement with Tehran. India has so far maintained that regional disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. At the same time, New Delhi is seeking to protect its trade, energy security, connectivity projects and wider strategic interests. The Modi-Pezeshkian meeting and Rubio’s subsequent remarks show how the Iran conflict is creating a difficult balancing act for India as it maintains ties with both Washington and Tehran.
