Chapel Hill, September 3: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning that any nation assisting Iran in evading American sanctions may face similar repercussions. He dismissed speculation regarding a new trade agreement between India and Iran.
During an interview on “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” Rubio was asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meetings with Iranian President and other officials, as well as reports of a potential India-Iran trade deal. He stated, “I do not believe there is any trade agreement happening between India and Iran.”
Rubio acknowledged that many countries maintain contact with Iran and make decisions based on their independent foreign policies. He remarked, “Every country formulates its own foreign policy, and many nations engage with the Iranian government. We have also had some discussions with Iranian representatives.”
He emphasized that President Donald Trump has made it clear that no country should assist Iran in avoiding sanctions or generating revenue for the regime. Rubio urged, “No country should help Iran evade sanctions or create mechanisms that allow Iran to earn money, which could be used to support terrorism and pursue nuclear weapons.”
He warned, “If any nation decides to do so, we may have to impose sanctions on them as well.” Rubio reiterated that the primary goal of the Trump administration is to ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.
He stated, “Iran will never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, at least not while President Trump is in office.” Rubio noted that while economic pressure is the main strategy, military action remains an option if necessary.
He added that as long as Iran continues its pursuit of nuclear weapons, it will face consequences, primarily economic. He affirmed, “We also reserve the right to take military action to protect not only our security but also to prevent Iran from becoming a threat to other nations.”
Rubio accused Iran of misusing its economic resources to support armed groups rather than benefiting its citizens. He asserted that Iran needs funds for two purposes: to support terrorism and ultimately to acquire nuclear weapons, which the U.S. cannot allow.
He pointed out that Iran continues to attack commercial vessels, while the U.S. has removed mines laid in the waterways. “We will continue to target all threats to our forces and global maritime trade. The Strait of Hormuz will remain open, and Iran will not control it.”
India and Iran have maintained diplomatic and trade relations for a long time. India is also collaborating on the development of Iran’s Chabahar port, which strategically provides India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without passing through Pakistan.
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