US issues warning to Pakistan about potential sanctions over trade deal with Iran.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, currently visiting Pakistan, met with Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. During the meeting, the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted the US’s stance on imposing sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program.

Patel stressed that the US will continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and weapons of mass destruction procurement activities, cautioning anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. Patel identified specific entities based in China and Belarus that have supplied equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.

In the context of President Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, eight bilateral agreements were signed, raising concerns about potential repercussions from sanctions due to Iran’s international standing. The discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi emphasized their shared vision of enhancing political, economic, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries.

In addition to the meetings, Iran and Pakistan signed eight memoranda of understanding for collaboration in various areas, including veterinary and animal health, judicial support in civil cases, and security matters. Several entities were identified as having supplied missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including the Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.

Furthermore, the US imposed sanctions on three Chinese entities involved in supplying goods to Pakistan’s missile program. The entities included “Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited,” “Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd,” and “Granpect Company Limited.”

This development underscores the complex international dynamics surrounding Iran’s relationships with other nations.