WASHINGTON — The United States has imposed sanctions on two India-based companies and two individuals as part of what officials described as a broader effort to disrupt shipping and financial networks tied to Iran’s petroleum trade.
In an action announced Thursday, the State Department designated 17 entities, individuals and vessels across multiple countries — including India, Panama and Seychelles — that U.S. officials say facilitate the sale and shipment of Iranian oil and petroleum products. The Treasury Department separately sanctioned 41 additional entities, individuals, vessels and aircraft it alleges are linked to Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical exports.
Among the newly targeted firms is TR6 Petro India LLP, an India-based petroleum products trader. According to U.S. officials, the company imported more than $8 million worth of Iranian-origin bitumen between October 2024 and June 2025 from several suppliers, allegedly participating in networks that helped Iran move petroleum products in violation of U.S. sanctions.
U.S. officials argue that such networks generate substantial revenue for Tehran, enabling the government to support Iran-backed groups and procure weapons systems — allegations Iran has repeatedly denied.
The measures add to a series of sanctions issued in recent months against companies accused of masking the origins of Iranian petroleum or arranging payments for shipments routed through intermediaries in Asia. In October, the Treasury Department targeted several India-based logistics and trading firms for similar activity. On November 12, the United States also imposed sanctions on 32 individuals and entities, including in India, citing alleged support for Iran’s missile and UAV programs.
In a statement, the State Department said the United States “remains committed to disrupting the illicit funding streams that finance all aspects of Iran’s malign activities,” adding that Washington will continue to “use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable.” (Source: IANS)
