Rubio warns nations against Iran sanctions evasion

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to nations against assisting Iran in circumventing American sanctions, following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The leaders met on September 1, 2026, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, where they discussed bilateral ties, regional stability, and trade. Rubio, speaking in an interview on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, stated he did not believe India and Iran were discussing a formal trade deal. While acknowledging that countries develop their own foreign policies and engage in dialogue with Tehran, he drew a firm line regarding economic activities designed to bypass U.S. restrictions. "No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue that they will then use to sponsor terrorism and try to build a nuclear weapon," Rubio said. He added that any country choosing to do so would face potential U.S. sanctions.