US sanctions Indian and Turkish entities for aiding Iran
The US Treasury targeted a Chandigarh-based network and a Turkish firm for allegedly helping Iran evade oil and aviation restrictions.
The US Treasury Department issued sanctions on Wednesday against several individuals and companies in India and Turkey for supporting Iran. According to reports from Deccan Herald and India Today, the measures are part of the Trump administration's Operation Economic Outcast, which seeks to limit Iran's oil revenue used to fund its war with the US and Israel.
The sanctions target Chandigarh-based Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, for allegedly running a network that provided fraudulent maritime certifications. The US Treasury accused the couple of using fake flags and websites to represent countries such as Guyana, Eswatini, Laos, Aruba, Mali, Mozambique, Malawi, Sint Maarten, and Timor-Leste. This allowed vessels, including those linked to the Iranian military, to transport petroleum while evading international regulations.
Two other Indian nationals, Ashwani Kumar Dhiman and Ishwinder Singh, were also sanctioned for their roles as directors in businesses connected to the couple. Nine other India-linked entities were named in the action. The Treasury stated these schemes allowed vessels to operate without indemnity insurance, potentially risking billions of dollars in damages to territorial waters.
In Turkey, the US sanctioned Fugo Ground Services Inc for providing ground-handling services to sanctioned Iranian airlines. These include Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines, Taban Airlines, Ata Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, and Varesh Airlines.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US government would continue to target anyone supporting the Iranian regime through land, sea, or air. The Office of Foreign Assets Control has also issued an alert to the industry regarding the risks of dealing with vessels using false flags.
