US Ends Sanctions Waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port
The United States has decided to withdraw the 2018 sanctions waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port. This waiver will officially end on September 29, 2025. The decision directly impacts India’s 10-year agreement to manage a terminal at the port. Chabahar Port holds vital importance for India, serving as a strategic trade link to Afghanistan and Central Asia through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
What This Means for India and Regional Trade
India has relied on Chabahar Port as an alternative route to bypass Pakistan for accessing Afghanistan and further into Central Asia. The revocation of the waiver puts India’s strategic investments and connectivity ambitions at risk. Experts believe this move could disrupt trade, slow down regional infrastructure projects, and force India to reconsider its diplomatic and economic strategies in the region. The US action comes amid growing tensions with Iran and adds another layer of complexity to India’s foreign policy choices.
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WION News: Trump targets Iran’s Chabahar port