US slaps sanctions on Indian, Turkish firms and people for aiding Iran

On Wednesday, the United States issued sanctions against an alleged criminal network run by two Indian nationals, Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, according to the US Treasury. The network was accused of aiding Iran's shadow fleet of oil tankers in committing maritime fraud, including sailing under false flags and obtaining fake maritime certifications.

This move came as part of a tightening web of US sanctions against Iran, which have been increasing since August. The US, along with Israel, began a war against Iran in late February, leading to retaliatory actions and a closure of a vital energy trade waterway. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that under Operation Economic Outcast, entities are either with the US or against it, threatening sanctions against any country or company supporting the Iranian regime.

The sanctions named Sharma and Shahid as operating a large-scale maritime fraud network from their base in Chandigarh, allowing the Iranian shadow fleet to evade international restrictions. Additionally, two other Indian nationals and several companies associated with the criminal network were also sanctioned. The US also imposed sanctions on Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc for allegedly providing services to Iran's aviation sector, which the US has sought to shut down.

Earlier this month, the US targeted the remnants of Iran's shadow fleet of tankers, affecting 17 vessels.