US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that countries helping Iran evade American sanctions will have to face penalties. At the same time, he dismissed reports about an India-Iran trade agreement. Rubio made these remarks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iranian officials, against the backdrop of Washington continuing to press on issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, its sources of revenue, armed groups, and threats to global shipping.
Rubio dismissed reports claiming that a new trade agreement had been reached between the two countries following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian officials. He remarked that there is currently no such trade agreement between India and Iran. He pointed out that many countries around the world conduct diplomatic talks with Iran, and that the US itself has held direct talks when necessary. However, he warned that diplomatic relations are one thing, and providing revenue to Iran is another.
The US stated that its government’s primary goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon under any circumstances. Rubio expressed confidence that Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon for as long as Donald Trump remains in power. He said that since the money Iran earns risks being used for terrorism and weapons manufacturing, they would strike at the country’s financial sources. He made clear that if Iran does not fall in line, the US would not hesitate to intensify economic pressure and also to use military force to protect its troops and allied nations.
The US declared that it would not allow Iran to exert dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, which is extremely critical for global shipping. Rubio stated that American forces have already destroyed mines that had become a threat to the safety of commercial vessels in the region, and affirmed that the sea route would always be kept open.