Washington: The United States on Tuesday cautioned entities considering business deals with Iran to be cognizant of potential sanctions risks, a State Department official stated.
“Broadly speaking, we advise any entities contemplating business ventures with Iran to understand the potential risk of sanctions. However, the Government of Pakistan can address their own foreign policy pursuits,” said Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, in response to inquiries about the recent visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan.
During the visit, Pakistan and Iran inked eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and committed to boosting bilateral trade to USD 10 billion.
Earlier this week, the US imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, targeting three Chinese companies.
“The sanctions were imposed due to these entities’ involvement in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and associated delivery systems. These entities, based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Belarus, were identified for supplying equipment and related items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme,” Patel elaborated.
“These actions align with our October 23 designation of three PRC entities implicated in supporting Pakistan’s missile programme. We remain committed to disrupting and taking action against proliferation networks and activities related to weapons of mass destruction procurement, wherever they may be found,” he added.
In a separate press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Patt Ryder affirmed that the US maintains a strong relationship with Pakistan. “They are an important security partner in the region,” he noted.
