Countries helping Iran evade sanctions could themselves face penalties, says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that nations assisting Iran in evading American sanctions could face their own penalties. Addressing the subject of India and Iran potentially finalizing a trade agreement, Rubio stated, "Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran." He acknowledged that countries maintain their own foreign policies and engage with Tehran, adding that the United States has communicated with Iranian officials as well.

Despite this, Rubio emphasized that President Donald Trump has made it clear that no entity should assist Iran in bypassing sanctions or establishing revenue-generating channels that could be used to fund terrorism or develop nuclear weapons. The primary goal of the Trump administration, according to Rubio, remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and Washington's main strategy to achieve this is through economic pressure. Military force is reserved as an option if deemed necessary.