In a stern message delivered on Tuesday (local time), the United States cautioned Pakistan of potential sanctions, urging vigilance against engaging in business deals with Iran. The warning came amidst ongoing efforts to disrupt proliferation networks, particularly those linked with weapons of mass destruction procurement activities.
Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, underscored the imposition of sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program, stressing a commitment to counter proliferation networks worldwide. Patel emphasized, “We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions.”
Speaking at a press briefing, Patel clarified that the recent sanctions targeted entities involved in proliferating weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. These entities, identified to be based in China and Belarus, were implicated in supplying equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
The warning gains significance in light of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan, during which eight bilateral agreements were signed between the two nations. Patel cautioned that these agreements could face jeopardy due to Iran’s international standing and the risk of sanctions.
Led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and President Raisi of Iran, discussions during the visit underscored a mutual commitment to advancing political, economic, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries. However, concerns over potential sanctions loom large, especially given recent developments in the U.S. stance on proliferation networks.
Last week, the U.S. State Department designated four entities involved in supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. Among them was the Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, implicated in providing special vehicle chassis for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. Additionally, sanctions were imposed on three Chinese entities for their involvement in proliferation activities.
The warning serves as a reminder of the delicate diplomatic landscape surrounding Iran-Pakistan relations and the wider implications of engaging in business deals with Iran amidst heightened international scrutiny.
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