US Warns India of Sanctions Over Support for Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that India could face US sanctions if it helps Iran evade American sanctions.

The warning came amid speculation about a possible trade agreement between New Delhi and Tehran following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. NDTV reported the remarks on Thursday (September 3).

In an interview with The Brian Kilmeade Show, Rubio dismissed the possibility of a trade deal between India and Iran. He said every country has its own foreign policy and noted that Washington, too, has maintained dialogue with the Iranian government.

Rubio reiterated US President Donald Trump’s warning that no country should help Iran bypass American sanctions. He said countries that provide Tehran with opportunities to generate revenue or finance terrorism could also face US sanctions.

“No country should help Iran evade sanctions. If a country chooses to do so, we will have to impose sanctions on them as well,” Rubio said.

Rubio said the Trump administration’s main objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. While Washington is primarily relying on economic pressure, he said the United States reserves the right to take military action if necessary.

Meanwhile, amid the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned that Tehran’s new strategy would “crush the foundations” of Washington in response to US attacks.