US reacts to PM Modi-Iran prez meet; issues warning to countries 'helping' Tehran

The US has warned countries against helping Iran evade sanctions, saying those that assist Tehran in generating revenue could themselves face sanctions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the warning after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.Asked about the PM Modi-Pezeshkian meeting and whether India and Iran were discussing a trade deal, Rubio said, “Well, I don't think there's a trade deal between India and Iran. Obviously there are, you know, countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime.”Rubio acknowledged that several countries maintain contact with Tehran but stressed that Washington would take action against countries that help Iran bypass US sanctions.“No country should be helping Iran evade sanctions.