U.S. Sanctions Indian Shipping Firms Over Alleged Role In Iran’s Illegal Oil Trade

The United States has imposed new sanctions on companies and individuals involved in Iran’s covert oil network, including an India-based shipping operator and a petroleum products trader.

The move is part of Washington’s effort to block funding that it says supports Iran’s nuclear activities, armed groups, and military operations in the region.

The sanctioned Indian entities include RN Ship Management Private Limited from Maharashtra and TR6 Petro India LLP from Pune. Two Indian nationals, Zair Husain Iqbal Husain Sayed and Zulfikar Hussain Rizvi Sayed, were also named.

According to the US State Department, TR6 Petro imported more than USD 8 million worth of Iranian-origin bitumen between October 2024 and June 2025. The firm has been designated under Executive Order 13846 for taking part in a significant transaction involving Iranian petroleum products.

RN Ship Management was listed because it was believed to have managed vessels carrying Iranian crude on behalf of Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, which is already under US sanctions for its links to Iran’s military.

The US Departments of State and Treasury jointly announced the designations. In total, the State Department listed 17 entities, individuals and vessels, while the Treasury added 41 more connected to Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trade.

US officials said Iran’s oil revenue continues to support its armed forces, especially as they rebuild after the recent 12-Day War with Israel. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington viewed restricting this revenue as important to slowing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and limiting its support to regional groups.

The sanctions also cover companies and intermediaries in the UAE, Panama, Germany, Greece and The Gambia, which the US believes helped move Iranian oil through hidden routes.

Several tankers suspected of transporting Iranian crude and LPG through ship-to-ship transfers were added to the list. These transfers involved vessels switching off tracking systems or altering paperwork to hide the cargo’s origin.

US authorities said Sepehr Energy Jahan relied on a “shadow fleet” and a large network of brokers to disguise Iranian oil and keep exports going despite long-standing sanctions.

The action also expands sanctions on Mahan Air, Iran’s biggest private airline, and its subsidiary Yazd International Airways Company. The US has accused the airline of working with the IRGC-Qods Force, including allegedly transporting personnel and equipment to groups supported by Iran in Syria and Lebanon.

Several aircraft operated by Mahan Air, including seven Western-made planes obtained through third parties, were named as blocked property. Senior procurement and logistics officials for the airline were also designated.

The sanctions fall under Executive Orders 13224 and 13902, which target supporters of terrorism and Iran’s petroleum sector. The State Department said the action supports National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2), which directs the US government to maintain maximum pressure on Iran.

All property belonging to the designated companies and individuals that is within US jurisdiction has been frozen. American citizens and businesses are barred from having any transactions with them.

References: thehindu, moneycontrol

Source: Maritime Shipping News