US hints at imposing sanctions on Pakistan due to business deals with Iran

The United States on Tuesday hinted at imposing sanctions on Islamabad after it inked trade deals with Iran during President Ebrahim Raisi's ongoing official visit to Pakistan.

"We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions." the US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a press briefing in Washington.

While addressing Islamabad's trade and economic relations with Washington, the spokesperson highlighted the significant role of the United States as Pakistan's foremost export destination and one of its primary investment partners.

"We have also been a leading investor in Pakistan for the past 20 years. Pakistan’s economic success is in both of our interests, and we look forward to continuing our partnership," Miller said.

The US State Department remarks came at a time when Iran's President Ibrahim Raisi is on a three-day visit to Pakistan. 

During the first day of the visit on Monday, Pakistan and Iran signed eight memorandums of understanding (MOUs). Both nations committed to boosting their bilateral trade volume to $10 billion.