The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Indian nationals and companies accused of helping Iran evade international restrictions. Washington alleges that a maritime fraud network used false flags and fraudulent certifications to support Iranian oil tankers. The action marks another escalation in the US campaign against Iran’s oil trade and its international support networks.
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Wednesday, describing the operation as a “vast criminal network” allegedly controlled by two Indian nationals.
US Accuses Indian Nationals of Maritime Fraud
According to the US Treasury, Indian nationals Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, operated the alleged network from Chandigarh.
US authorities claim the operation helped Iranian vessels conceal their identities and continue operating despite international restrictions. The network allegedly arranged false vessel registrations and fraudulent maritime certifications.
The Treasury said the individuals claimed to represent countries across several continents. These allegedly included Guyana, Eswatini and Laos.
“Purporting to represent nations from nearly every continent, from Guyana to Eswatini and Laos, Sharma and Shahid have allowed the Iranian shadow fleet… to evade international restrictions on their operation,” the department said.
The sanctions also cover two additional Indian nationals and several companies allegedly connected to the network.
However, the allegations remain the basis of the US sanctions action.
Washington Intensifies Pressure on Iran’s Shadow Fleet
The latest measures form part of Washington’s expanding campaign against Iran’s maritime oil transportation network.
Since August, the United States has tightened economic restrictions targeting Iranian oil exports and associated operations. Washington previously announced that it would pursue the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran alongside its military campaign.
The United States and Israel launched their war against Iran in late February. The conflict escalated across the Middle East as Tehran retaliated against US allies.
Iran’s response also disrupted a vital waterway used for international energy trade, adding further pressure to global energy markets.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the latest sanctions, warning companies and individuals against supporting the Iranian government.
“As we have said many times, under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us,” Bessent said.
He also warned that Washington would target supporters of Iran regardless of their location or method of assistance.
“We know where you are, and we will sanction those who continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea, or air.”
Turkish Aviation Services Company Also Faces Sanctions
Wednesday’s announcement also included action against a Turkey-based company.
The US Treasury sanctioned Fugo Ground Services Inc, accusing it of continuing to provide services to Iran’s aviation sector.
Washington has been attempting to restrict Iran’s aviation operations through its broader sanctions programme. The latest action therefore extends the pressure beyond maritime transportation and oil exports.
The measures demonstrate the US administration’s willingness to target businesses operating in different sectors when they allegedly support Iranian activities.
US Previously Targeted 17 Iranian Oil Tankers
The latest sanctions follow another major action earlier this month against Iran’s shadow fleet.
Washington targeted what it described as the remaining vessels involved in transporting Iranian oil products to international markets. The measures affected 17 tankers allegedly connected to the country’s oil transportation network.
The expanding sanctions campaign aims to restrict Iran’s ability to move petroleum products through international maritime channels.
Moreover, the latest action highlights Washington’s growing focus on companies and intermediaries that allegedly help Iranian vessels bypass restrictions.
By targeting Indian nationals, associated businesses and a Turkish aviation services provider, the United States has widened the scope of its pressure campaign. The measures signal that Washington intends to pursue alleged Iranian support networks across maritime and aviation industries.
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