WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and companies based in India and Türkiye over their alleged business and financial connections with Iran, accusing them of supporting networks that help Tehran evade international restrictions.
The US Treasury Department announced the measures on Thursday, saying the action targets individuals and businesses allegedly involved in facilitating Iranian oil shipments and supporting the country’s aviation sector.
The sanctions were imposed under the Trump administration’s “Economic Outcast” operation, which Washington says is aimed at disrupting networks providing financial and logistical assistance to the Iranian government.
Among those added to the sanctions list are India-based Sunil Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti. The US Treasury also targeted nine additional entities allegedly associated with Sharma.
According to American authorities, the network was involved in providing fraudulent flags and certificates to vessels transporting Iranian oil. These activities allegedly helped ships conceal their identities and facilitate the movement of Iranian petroleum through maritime operations involving fraudulent documentation.
The US government accused the individuals and associated companies of playing a role in a broader system designed to bypass restrictions on Iran’s oil exports.
In a separate move, Washington imposed sanctions on Türkiye-based Fugo Ground Services, alleging that the company provided support to Iran’s aviation sector.
American officials also accused the Turkish company of involvement in activities linked to Iran’s covert oil tanker network, although further operational details were not immediately disclosed.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the latest measures were intended to send a clear message to countries, businesses and individuals involved in supporting Iran that they would face consequences under American policy.
He stressed that Washington would continue targeting individuals and organisations providing assistance to the Iranian government.
The latest sanctions highlight the Trump administration’s continued efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran by targeting networks operating beyond Iran’s borders.
By extending restrictions to companies and individuals in India and Türkiye, Washington is seeking to disrupt the international commercial and financial channels it says are helping Iran sustain its oil exports and other strategic activities.
The announcement also comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with economic restrictions remaining a key part of the US strategy towards Iran.
