The United States has intensified its pressure on Iran’s energy sector, announcing sanctions against more than 50 individuals, companies, and vessels accused of facilitating Iranian oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales. The action, led by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), also names several Indian nationals and firms allegedly linked to shipping Iranian petroleum products in violation of US sanctions.
What Triggered The Sanctions?
According to the US Treasury, these individuals and entities helped move billions of dollars’ worth of petroleum and LPG from Iran, providing critical revenue to the Iranian regime. Washington claims this money supports Iran’s network of militant and proxy groups that threaten US interests and regional stability.
The move targets a vast network that includes nearly two dozen “shadow fleet” vessels – ships as well as a China-based crude oil terminal and an independent refinery.
Who Has Been Sanctioned From India?
Three Indian nationals – Varun Pula, Soniya Shrestha, and Iyappan Raja – have been sanctioned under Executive Order 13902 for acting on behalf of shipping firms engaged in transporting Iranian petroleum and LPG.
- Varun Pula owns Bertha Shipping Inc., based in the Marshall Islands, which operates the Comoros-flagged vessel PAMIR (IMO 9208239). This ship reportedly carried nearly four million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since July 2024.
- Iyappan Raja owns Evie Lines Inc., also in the Marshall Islands, which runs the Panama-flagged vessel SAPPHIRE GAS (IMO 9320738). It has delivered over one million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since April 2025.
- Soniya Shrestha owns Vega Star Ship Management Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in India. Her company manages the Comoros-flagged vessel NEPTA (IMO 9013701), which has transported Iranian-origin LPG to Pakistan since January 2025.
What Do The Sanctions Mean?
Under these sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the designated individuals and entities within US jurisdiction are frozen. US persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them unless explicitly authorized by OFAC. Additionally, any company with 50% or more ownership by a sanctioned person is automatically blocked.
Violations of these measures can result in civil or criminal penalties for both US and foreign persons. However, OFAC clarified that sanctioned entities can apply for removal from the list in accordance with established legal procedures.
What Is Washington’s Goal?
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions aim to “degrade Iran’s cash flow by dismantling key elements of Iran’s energy export machine.” He emphasized that under the administration’s policy, Washington is committed to disrupting Iran’s ability to fund groups that threaten the United States and its allies.
(With ANI Inputs)