Washington,Updated: 24 April 2024 at 10:44 IST
Anyone considering a trade deal with Iran should be aware of the potential risks of sanctions from the United States, an official said on Tuesday.
“Let me say in general, we would advise anyone considering doing business with Iran to be aware of the potential risks of sanctions,” said Vedant Patel, deputy US spokesman. “But at the end of the day, the government of Pakistan can speak for its foreign policy interests.” “. This came in a statement by the US State Department, during its response to a question about the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan.
During the visit, Pakistan and Iran signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and also agreed to raise bilateral trade volume to US$10 billion.
Earlier this week, the United States imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including three companies from China.
“The sanctions were imposed because these entities were proliferating weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. These were entities based in the People's Republic of China, in Belarus, which we have seen supplied equipment and other elements applicable to Pakistan's ballistic missile program,” Patel said.
“They follow our October 23 designation of three entities from the People's Republic of China that have served to supply Pakistan's missile program. We will continue to disrupt and take action against proliferation networks and with respect to WMD procurement activities wherever they occur,” he added. He added.
In a separate press conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said that the United States maintains good relations with Pakistan. “They are an important security partner in the region,” he said.
