The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and companies based in India and Turkey over their alleged role in helping Iran evade oil-related restrictions. The US Treasury Department announced the measures under the Trump administration’s “Operation Economic Outcast”, which aims to restrict Tehran’s ability to generate revenue from oil sales.
Among those sanctioned are Chandigarh-based Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, along with two Indian citizens who head businesses linked to the couple. The Treasury Department also designated nine entities connected to Sharma, alleging that they supported Iran’s “shadow fleet” through maritime fraud.
According to the department, the network provided false flags and maritime certifications to sanctioned vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, including ships operating on behalf of Iran’s military and its proxies. Such fraudulent documentation can allow vessels to evade international safety and environmental regulations and operate without appropriate indemnity insurance, potentially exposing countries to substantial liabilities if accidents occur in their territorial waters.
Alleged fraudulent maritime registries
The Treasury Department said Sharma and Shahid falsely claimed to represent countries including Guyana, Eswatini and Laos to issue flags and certifications for vessels.
Sharma’s network allegedly created websites and purchased domain names to present services such as vessel flagging, seafarer training and certification, and vessel classification. The couple also managed India-based entities allegedly used to establish fraudulent flagging registries. These companies were included in the sanctions.
The US also sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc, which the Treasury said provided ground handling and other services to several sanctioned Iranian airlines, including Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines, Taban Airlines and Ata Airlines.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would continue targeting those supporting Tehran “whether by land, sea, or air”. He added: “Under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us.”
Sanctions amid political pressure
The measures come amid renewed pressure on Iran following the breakdown of an understanding between Tehran and Washington to end the war. The US reportedly reimposed its blockade of Iranian ports on July 14.
The announcement also followed significant Democratic gains in the US midterm elections, as voters expressed concern over the Iran war and its impact on fuel prices and inflation. President Donald Trump acknowledged the conflict’s role in the Republican losses but defended the military campaign.
Risk adviser Brett Erickson told Reuters that the sanctions signalled an escalation of Washington’s economic pressure on Iran despite the election setback. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also issued a new alert warning businesses about the risks of dealing with potentially false-flagged vessels.
Source: NDTV
