The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Thursday, October 30, 2025, that India has been granted a six-month waiver from U.S. sanctions concerning Iran’s vital Chabahar Port. This development offers a crucial window for India’s strategic projects in the region.
During a regular media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also noted that discussions between India and the U.S. regarding a potential trade deal are still in progress.
It is worth recalling that in September, the previous Trump administration had rescinded its earlier waiver on Chabahar Port sanctions, aligning with its broader “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.
This latest move by the U.S. government provides significant relief to India, especially considering the 10-year lease agreement India signed with Iran in May 2024 for the port’s operations.
India’s long-term vision involves developing the Shahid Beheshti terminal within Chabahar Port. This ambitious project aims to establish an alternative and crucial trading corridor, allowing India to transport cargo to Afghanistan and Central Asia while effectively bypassing Pakistan.