In brief
The U.S. Treasury slapped fresh sanctions on Wednesday on Indian and Turkish firms and individuals for aiding Iran’s oil trade, calling the move part of its broader economic warfare. The sanctions target alleged fraudsters who provided false flags to sanctioned vessels and a Turkish aviation firm that supports Iran’s heavily sanctioned aviation sector. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed continued pressure on anyone aiding Tehran.
In a Wednesday announcement, the U.S. Treasury slapped new sanctions on companies and individuals in India and Turkey for aiding Iran’s oil business, according to Reuters.
Key targets include Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, who the Treasury says run a “vast criminal network” that applied false flag certifications to sanctioned vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, including ships linked to the Iranian military and its proxies.
The sanctions extend to nine entities associated with Sharma and also sanction Turkey‑based Fugo Ground Services Inc, a firm that reportedly supports Iran’s heavily sanctioned aviation sector.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Twitter that the government will keep pursuing anyone who supports Tehran, stating,
“We know where you are, and we will sanction those who continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea, or air.”
The move follows a mid‑term election in which Democrats won control of both houses of Congress, a development that critics say reflects voters’ anger over the Iran war and its inflationary impacts.
Observers note that the sanctions are part of broader U.S. efforts to cut off Iran’s ability to sell oil and finance conflict, with Treasury officials claiming the actions have already weakened the Iranian economy and driven the rial to new lows.
