US sanctions Indian firms, individuals over alleged support for Iran
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Washington: The United States has imposed sanctions on several Indian and Turkish individuals and companies accused of helping Iran evade restrictions on its oil and aviation industries.
The US Department of the Treasury announced the measures on Wednesday as part of the Trump administration's campaign to restrict Tehran's revenue sources amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel.
The action targeted a network allegedly operated by Chandigarh-based Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. Washington accused the couple of facilitating maritime fraud to support vessels transporting Iranian oil.
Two other Indian nationals, Ashwani Kumar Dhiman and Ishwinder Singh, who head businesses associated with the couple, were also sanctioned, along with nine linked entities.
According to the Treasury Department, the network provided false vessel registration details and fraudulent maritime certifications to ships carrying Iranian petroleum, including those allegedly operating for Iran's military and affiliated groups.
The US also targeted Türkiye-based Fugo Ground Services, accusing it of providing ground-handling and other assistance to Iranian airlines already under American sanctions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would penalise individuals and organisations continuing to support Iran through maritime, aviation or other activities.
The latest action follows earlier US sanctions in August against four India-based companies accused of importing Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.