The US has intensified its stress on Iran’s power sector, saying sanctions in opposition to greater than 50 people, corporations, and vessels accused of facilitating Iranian oil and liquefied petroleum fuel (LPG) gross sales. The motion, led by the US Division of the Treasury’s Workplace of International Belongings Management (OFAC), additionally names a number of Indian nationals and companies allegedly linked to transport Iranian petroleum merchandise in violation of US sanctions.
What Triggered The Sanctions?
In accordance with the US Treasury, these people and entities helped transfer billions of {dollars}’ price of petroleum and LPG from Iran, offering important income to the Iranian regime. Washington claims this cash helps Iran’s community of militant and proxy teams that threaten US pursuits and regional stability.
The transfer targets an enormous community that features almost two dozen “shadow fleet” vessels – ships in addition to a China-based crude oil terminal and an unbiased refinery.
Who Has Been Sanctioned From India?
Three Indian nationals – Varun Pula, Soniya Shrestha, and Iyappan Raja – have been sanctioned underneath Govt Order 13902 for appearing on behalf of transport companies engaged in transporting Iranian petroleum and LPG.
- Varun Pula owns Bertha Delivery Inc., primarily based within the Marshall Islands, which operates the Comoros-flagged vessel PAMIR (IMO 9208239). This ship reportedly carried almost 4 million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since July 2024.
- Iyappan Raja owns Evie Strains Inc., additionally within the Marshall Islands, which runs the Panama-flagged vessel SAPPHIRE GAS (IMO 9320738). It has delivered over a million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since April 2025.
- Soniya Shrestha owns Vega Star Ship Administration Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in India. Her firm manages the Comoros-flagged vessel NEPTA (IMO 9013701), which has transported Iranian-origin LPG to Pakistan since January 2025.
What Do The Sanctions Imply?
Underneath these sanctions, all property and pursuits belonging to the designated people and entities inside US jurisdiction are frozen. US individuals are prohibited from participating in transactions with them until explicitly licensed by OFAC. Moreover, any firm with 50% or extra possession by a sanctioned particular person is mechanically blocked.
Violations of those measures can lead to civil or legal penalties for each US and overseas individuals. Nonetheless, OFAC clarified that sanctioned entities can apply for removing from the listing in accordance with established authorized procedures.
What Is Washington’s Aim?
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned the sanctions goal to “degrade Iran’s money stream by dismantling key parts of Iran’s power export machine.” He emphasised that underneath the administration’s coverage, Washington is dedicated to disrupting Iran’s potential to fund teams that threaten the USA and its allies.
(With ANI Inputs)