Rubio warns nations against assisting Iran.

US Secretary of State reaffirms Trump’s sanctions policy after Modi–Pezeshkian talks.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning to countries considering closer economic ties with Iran, cautioning that any attempt to help Tehran bypass American sanctions could trigger punitive measures from Washington. His remarks followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Rubio dismissed speculation that India and Iran were finalizing a trade agreement but acknowledged that nations often pursue independent foreign policies. “Countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many around the world talk to the Iranian regime,” he said, noting that even Washington has engaged in limited contacts with Tehran.

Reiterating Trump’s Sanctions Threat

Rubio underscored President Donald Trump’s long‑standing position that no nation should enable Iran to generate revenue streams that could fund terrorism or nuclear development. “If countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too,” he warned.

Nuclear Concerns at the Forefront

The Secretary of State emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the administration’s central objective. “Iran will never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, certainly not as long as President Trump is in office,” he declared. While economic sanctions remain the primary tool of pressure, Rubio stressed that military action remains an option if deemed necessary to protect US interests and allies.

Escalating Regional Conflict

His comments came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. President Trump confirmed that US forces had carried out a “very heavy attack” on Iranian targets overnight and signalled readiness for further strikes. In response, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei announced that Tehran had adopted a “new strategy” to counter both military and economic pressure, vowing that it would “shatter” Washington’s foundations.

Criticism of Tehran’s Priorities

Rubio accused Iran of diverting financial resources toward armed groups and nuclear ambitions rather than improving the lives of its citizens. “They want money for two things-  to sponsor terrorism and ultimately to have a nuclear weapon,” he said. As the conflict deepens, Washington has pledged to intensify economic pressure on Tehran while warning allies not to undermine sanctions. The message is clear: nations engaging with Iran risk being drawn into the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran.