US revokes Chabahar sanctions waiver

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Trump administration has announced it will revoke the sanctions waiver previously granted to Iran’s Chabahar Port, media reports aid on Friday.

The new sanctions on the strategically located port will take effect from September 29, around ten days from now, The Indian Express reported.

Although the move is primarily aimed at increasing pressure on Iran, it is expected to significantly impact India — which has been developing the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar Port in partnership with Iran — as it hinders India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Sources described the decision as a major setback for India’s regional connectivity plans, especially considering Chabahar’s proximity to Gwadar Port in Pakistan, which is being developed by China.

In a statement, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott said: “…Consistent with President Trump’s maximum pressure policy to isolate the Iranian regime, the Secretary of State has revoked the sanctions exception issued in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) for Afghanistan reconstruction assistance and economic development, effective September 29, 2025.”

Pigott added that once the revocation takes effect, any individual or entity involved in operating Chabahar Port or engaging in related activities covered under IFCA could be subject to sanctions.

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