Pakistan to Pursue Iran Economic Relations Despite US Sanctions

Pakistan on Thursday said it reserves the right to “pursue legitimate economic and commercial interests” with Iran in the wake of the reimposition of sanctions on Tehran by US President Donald Trump who warned that countries doing business with the Islamic Republic will face consequences. “We are examining the implications of the US’ reimposed sanctions on Iran,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal told reporters at his weekly news briefing, The Express Tribune reported. “However, Pakistan, being a sovereign state, reserves the right to pursue legitimate economic and commercial interests while respecting the international legal regime,” Faisal added. In a meeting with Pakistani PM-in-waiting Imran Khan, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost expressed his country’s willingness to deepen trade ties with Pakistan. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also telephoned Khan on Wednesday and congratulated him over his party’s election victory. Khan accepted Rouhani’s invitation to visit Tehran. In his victory speech, the new Pakistani premier called for improving ties with Pakistan’s immediate neighbors, including Iran. But the latest row between Tehran and Washington would certainly test Khan’s diplomatic skills to protect Pakistan’s interests.