US warns of potential sanctions, after India-Iran deal

The US has stated that any country that engages in business dealings with Iran runs the risk of sanctions while adding that it is aware that Iran and India have signed a deal concerning the Chabahar port.

"We're aware of these reports that Iran and India have signed a deal concerning the Chabahar port. I will let the government of India speak to its own foreign policy goals vis-a-vis the Chabahar port as well as its own bilateral relationship with Iran," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at his daily news conference.

This comes days after the US announced new sanctions on Iran targeting its unmanned aerial vehicle production after its attack on Israel.

"I will just say, as it relates to the United States, US sanctions on Iran remain in place and we'll continue to enforce them," he said in response to a question on India's deal with Iran on the strategic Chabahar port.

Patel reiterated US’ stance that “any entity, anyone considering business deals with Iran, they need to be aware of the potential risk that they are opening themselves up to and the potential risk of sanctions.”

India and Iran on Monday signed a 10-year deal for the operation of a terminal at the strategically important Chabahar port in Iran. The contract is expected to boost regional connectivity as well as trade ties.

This is the first time India will take over the management of an overseas port. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Chabahar Port will definitely see more investments and connectivity linkages coming out of it after India and Iran signed a long-term contract for the operation of its Shahid Beheshti Port terminal.