Washington, DC: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back against suggestions that India and Iran are working toward a trade deal, saying he does not believe any such agreement is currently under negotiation.
Rubio was responding to a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Asked on *The Brian Kilmeade Show* whether New Delhi and Tehran were working on a trade arrangement, Rubio said, “I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran.”
The US Secretary of State acknowledged that countries formulate their own foreign policies and that several nations maintain diplomatic contacts with Tehran. He also pointed out that Washington itself has engaged with Iranian representatives as part of diplomatic discussions.
“Obviously, countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime,” Rubio said.
Rubio Warns Against Helping Iran Evade Sanctions
While acknowledging countries’ independent foreign policies, Rubio issued a warning against helping Iran bypass US sanctions or establish mechanisms to generate revenue.
He reiterated President Donald Trump’s position that countries assisting Tehran in evading sanctions could themselves face American penalties.
“No country should be helping Iran evade sanctions,” Rubio said, adding that nations should not help Iran create channels to generate revenue that could be used to support militant groups or advance its nuclear program.
“If countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too,” he said.
US Says Iran Cannot Have Nuclear Weapons
Rubio also stressed that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a key priority for the Trump administration.
“Iran will never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, certainly not as long as President Trump is in office,” he said.
According to Rubio, Washington’s primary tool for pressuring Tehran remains economic sanctions, although he said the US continues to reserve the option of military action.
He accused the Iranian government of directing financial resources toward supporting armed groups and pursuing a nuclear capability instead of improving conditions for its people.
India-Iran Ties Under Scrutiny
Rubio’s comments come amid heightened attention on India-Iran ties following Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian at the SCO summit.
India has historically maintained relations with both Iran and the United States, balancing its strategic and economic interests with its partnerships with Washington. New Delhi has also continued to engage with Tehran on connectivity, energy and regional issues.
Rubio’s remarks, however, indicate that Washington remains closely focused on any economic engagement with Iran that could potentially run afoul of US sanctions.
The comments also come as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high, with both sides continuing to issue warnings amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Trump has said US forces carried out a “very heavy attack” on Iranian targets and warned that Washington was prepared to launch further strikes if necessary.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have vowed to pursue a new strategy involving military, diplomatic and economic measures as the confrontation continues.
The Trump administration has also signalled plans to intensify economic pressure on Tehran and warned countries against helping Iran circumvent American sanctions.
