WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on over a dozen companies, and individuals, including three from India, for trading with Iran.
The US Department of Treasury said these companies, individuals, and vessels have played a major role in financing and facilitating the sale of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia.
Though Sahara Thunder has been the main front company that oversees Iran’s commercial activities, the three India-based companies slapped with sanctions for supporting Sahara Thunder are Zen Shipping, Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited, and Port India Private Limited.
The Treasury said Iranian military company Sahara Thunder depends on a vast shipping network involved in the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to different jurisdictions including China, Russia, and Venezuela.
It added Sahara Thunder has entered into contracts with India-based Zen Shipping and Port India Private Limited for the Cook Islands-flagged ship CHEM.
The Treasury said Sahara Thunder has used the CHEM to carry out multiple shipments of commodities since 2022.
According to the Treasury, Iran-based Asia Marine Crown Agency has served as the port agent in Iran’s Bandar Abbas, for Sahara Thunder.
It added that India-based Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited and UAE-based company Trans Gulf Agency LLC have also worked to provide ship management services to Sahara Thunder.
Under Secretary of the US Treasury, Brian E. Nelson said Iran’s Ministry of Defence continues to destabilize the region and world with its support to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He said the United States, in close cooperation with British and Canadian partners, will continue to use all available means to stop those who would finance the destabilizing activities of Iran.
