US Expands Iran Sanctions to Indian and Turkish Intermediaries

The sanctions target a Chandigarh-based network led by Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, alongside nine associated entities. Officials claim the group provided fraudulent maritime certifications and flags to vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, effectively allowing ships to bypass international safety and registration requirements. By masquerading as maritime service providers for nations like Guyana and Laos, the network allegedly enabled sanctioned vessels to operate under a veil of legitimacy.

Simultaneously, the US has penalized Fugo Ground Services Inc., a Turkish firm accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector. The company reportedly provided ground-handling services to sanctioned carriers including Iran Air Tour and Saha Airlines. This designation highlights the administration's broadening strategy, which now extends beyond oil exports to the logistics and infrastructure supporting Iran’s commercial aviation.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the administration intends to maintain pressure on Tehran’s land, sea, and air networks, despite the recent electoral setbacks that saw Democrats gain ground in Congress. While the administration faces voter frustration over the economic fallout of the conflict, the latest measures underscore a determination to disrupt the intermediaries that sustain Iranian trade. For foreign businesses, the designations serve as a warning: facilitating transactions with Iranian entities now carries a heightened risk of being severed from the US financial system.