Amid sanctions on Iran, US official says- reviewing Chabahar Port developments

On Thursday, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (a top American think tank), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells said, “We are reviewing Chabahar project in the context, in particular of Afghanistan, and in the spirit that the idea of our sanctions are not to punish partners or to imperil partners, but to bring a price tag for Iran’s malign behavior”.

She said, “As we review the issue of Chabahar, it’ll be in the context of what it provides for the stabilization of Afghanistan or for the kind of regional connectivity that serves other interests as well. But it’s an ongoing process of review”.

#IEWorld | Last month, President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to anyone trading with Iran, following his re-imposition of sanctions on the country.https://t.co/YpDMMLps1z

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) September 13, 2018

Wells acknowledged the India’s concern about the fluctuating oil prices and mentioned that India is working to reduce the oil imports from Iran. She said, “Obviously, India is quite sensitive to price fluctuation”.
She further added, “We’ve already seen a reduction underway over the last month. There’s been a substantial reduction (in India’s purchase of oil from Iran). I think the private sector responds to a risk and concern over consequences. So I think that’s going to be there. You’re going to see a clear response from the private sector in that regard and will continue our conversations with the government of India”.
Chabahar port is being developed by India in ran to boost trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia, and it is being considered golden opportunity to ramp up trade between India, Iran and Afghanistan in case Pakistan denies transit access to India.

Trade with or through Iran can potentially invite American anger for countries around the worldhttps://t.co/OJWrPFf2vH

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) September 13, 2018

Last month US president Trump vowed to sanction the countries that will continue business with Iran. Iranian ports will also be under the threat of sanctions. Sanctions on Iran will be in full implementation from November 4, 2018.