US signals potential sanctions on Pakistan over Iran agreements

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel once again signaled the US intention to impose sanctions on Pakistan following the country’s establishment of new agreements with Iran.

During a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, Patel cautioned Pakistan against engaging in “business deals with Iran”. The deputy spokesperson stated that if progress is made in the new agreements between Pakistan and Iran, sanctions could be imposed.

Read more: US warns of sanctions risks, opposes Iran-Pakistan pipeline project

Patel hinted that anyone making deals with Iran should be aware of the “potential threat of sanctions”.

He explained that the purpose of the sanctions extending to anyone doing business with Iran is to
‘prevent’ the “proliferation and deterrence of weapons of mass destruction” (WMD).

The State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller has echoed similar sentiments in past In March, Miller warned Pakistan against engaging in any agreements with Iran that included the proposed Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project.

Miller advised Pakistan to exercise caution in its dealings with Iran by citing US’ opposition to any such initiatives.

Read more: US encourages Pakistan to prioritise economic reforms

“The US in not in favour of the Iran gas pipeline project,” the spokesperson said in a press briefing on March 36. Miller had warmed of the “risks” associated with conducting business with Iran and that such actions could lead to sanctions from the US.

Miller hinted that being one of Pakistan’s largest export markets, the US was closely “monitoring” the situation with Iran.