- Narendra Modi met with Masoud Pezeshkian at the SCO summit.
- US officials reacted to the meeting, with Rubio acknowledging that the US has met with elements of the Iranian regime in some discussions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed concerns regarding India's engagement with Iran following Prime Minister Modi's meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian at the SCO summit. Rubio stated, "I don't think there's a trade deal between India and Iran", clarifying that many nations interact with the Iranian regime.12
Rubio emphasized that while dialogue is common, "any assistance in evading sanctions will lead to penalties". He warned, "No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue that they will then use to sponsor terrorism and try to build a nuclear weapon". This statement reflects the U.S. stance on Iran's activities and the potential repercussions for countries that engage in trade with Tehran.
Rubio also noted, "We've met with elements of the Iranian regime as well", indicating that the U.S. has had its own interactions with Iran. He reiterated the importance of maintaining pressure on Iran to prevent it from advancing its nuclear capabilities and supporting terrorism.
The U.S. remains vigilant about any foreign policy decisions that could undermine sanctions against Iran, as the international community grapples with the complexities of engaging with a regime that poses significant security threats.
“Rubio's acknowledgment came amid US criticism of the meeting, but he stressed that such contacts are part of ongoing discussions. The SCO summit provided a rare platform for direct engagement between the Indian and Iranian leaders.”
