Pakistan Rejects US Unilateral Sanctions on Iran
Islamabad says it is not required to enforce unilateral sanctions against Tehran without UN backing, even as Washington warns countries of economic penalties and Pakistan seeks deeper trade with Iran.
Pakistan has rejected the premise that it must comply with unilateral U.S. sanctions on Iran, saying restrictions imposed without United Nations authority do not create an obligation for Islamabad.
The position signals Pakistan intends to preserve economic ties with Tehran despite Washington warning countries that continued business with Iran could trigger penalties.
Islamabad Draws a Legal Line
Pakistan is continuing to implement its bilateral agreements with Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a weekly briefing on Thursday.
Islamabad is not “obliged to” observe unilateral sanctions unless they are imposed through the UN, according to Andrabi.
Trade between the neighboring countries remains substantial, while “there is a desire to expand,” he added.
The stance places Pakistan at odds with Washington's effort to increase economic pressure on Tehran while stopping short of a broader rupture with the U.S.
Iran Trade Ambitions Remain
Pakistan and Iran have been seeking a significant increase in bilateral commerce.
The two countries have agreed on steps to raise trade by more than threefold to $10 billion, alongside efforts to complete a free trade agreement.
Economic ties have remained part of the broader relationship even as the Middle East conflict has forced Islamabad to navigate competing diplomatic pressures.
Pakistan also relied on its relationship with Iran to negotiate the release of oil tankers during the early stages of the conflict.
Balancing Tehran and Washington
Islamabad has sought to maintain ties with both Iran and the U.S. during the war.
Relations with Washington have strengthened during President Donald Trump's second term, particularly after Pakistan emerged as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.
Pakistan's army chief was in Iran last week as part of negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East conflict after tensions escalated again.
At the same time, Islamabad has asked Washington for a $10 billion financial facility and expects a response within the next several months.