US Reiterates Warning To Pakistan Over Iran Relations

The United States has issued fresh warnings to the Pakistani government regarding its business dealings with Iran following Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s official visit to Pakistan. Amid the historic visit, Islamabad and Tehran have signed numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation across various sectors and elevate trade to $10 billion.

This development has thrust both countries into the global spotlight once again, prompting Washington to reiterate its concerns and warn Pakistan of potential sanctions for forging new agreements with Iran. Deputy Spokesman for the US State Department, Vedant Patel, emphasized during a press briefing in Washington that Islamabad should consider the possibility of sanctions when engaging in such agreements and align its actions with Pakistan’s foreign policy.

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Previously, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller cautioned against entering into trade deals with Iran, highlighting the risk of sanctions. While Miller did not specifically mention Pakistan, he underscored the United States’ significant role as Pakistan’s largest foreign market and a substantial investor in the country over the past two decades. He stressed the mutual benefits of Pakistan’s economic prosperity and expressed a desire to sustain the partnership between the two nations.

With regards to President Raisi’s visit and the bilateral agreements between Iran and Pakistan, Miller hinted at the potential impact of these agreements on US-Pakistan relations due to the looming threat of sanctions associated with Iran. Notably, the US had previously warned Islamabad about potential sanctions for its plans to import gas from Iran, citing its lack of support for the pipeline project.