The United States has imposed sanctions on 35 entities and vessels, including two Indian companies, over their involvement in transporting Iranian oil to various countries. The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the measures on Tuesday, citing Iran’s escalating nuclear program and its October 1 attack on Israel as key factors driving the sanctions.
Among the sanctioned entities are two Indian firms: Vision Ship Management LLP, based in Thane, and Mumbai’s Tightship Shipping Management (OPC) Private Limited. Vision Ship Management is accused of operating the PHONIX vessel, which has been transporting Iranian crude oil to China since 2022. The company manages a total of three sanctioned ships, according to the U.S. Treasury. Tightship Shipping Management, meanwhile, manages at least four vessels that have been flagged for sanction violations.
Bradley T. Smith, the U.S. Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stressed that Iran continues to funnel revenue from its illicit petroleum trade to fund its nuclear development. “Iran remains a significant threat, and we are committed to disrupting the financial operations that enable such activities,” he said.
The sanctions are part of broader U.S. efforts to curb Iran’s use of a complex network of tankers and ship management firms to bypass international oil sanctions. These operations often involve the use of false documentation and manipulation of tracking systems to evade detection.
The U.S. has repeatedly vowed to disrupt Iran’s illicit petroleum trade using every available tool and authority to counter the regime’s efforts.
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