US Sanctions Target 50 Entities, Including Indian Nationals, for Facilitating Iran’s Oil and LPG Exports
The United States has announced a new wave of sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of facilitating Iran’s oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports. This latest action, revealed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, includes over 50 individuals and companies, among which are three Indian nationals. The sanctions aim to disrupt Iran’s energy export capabilities, which the U.S. claims are vital for funding terrorist organizations that pose a threat to American interests.
Details of the Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on a wide range of actors involved in Iran’s energy sector. This includes nearly two dozen vessels identified as part of a “shadow fleet,” a crude oil terminal in China, and various shipping companies. These entities are accused of enabling the export of billions of dollars’ worth of petroleum products, which the U.S. government asserts provides critical revenue to the Iranian regime. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that these measures are designed to degrade Iran’s cash flow and disrupt its ability to fund terrorist groups. The sanctions reflect a broader strategy under the Trump administration to counteract Iran’s influence and activities in the region.
Indian Nationals Among Those Sanctioned
Among the individuals sanctioned are three Indian nationals: Varun Pula, Soniya Shrestha, and Iyappan Raja. All three have been designated under Executive Order 13902 for their involvement with firms that transport Iranian petroleum and LPG. Varun Pula is linked to Bertha Shipping Inc., which operates the Comoros-flagged vessel PAMIR, responsible for delivering nearly four million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since July 2024. Iyappan Raja owns Evie Lines Inc., which operates the Panama-flagged SAPPHIRE GAS, having transported over a million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since April 2025. Soniya Shrestha runs Vega Star Ship Management Private Limited, which has been involved in transporting Iranian LPG to Pakistan since January 2025. The sanctions also extend to blocking Vega Star’s operations.
Implications of the Sanctions
The sanctions have significant implications for the individuals and entities involved. Under these measures, all property and interests in property belonging to the sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. or controlled by U.S. persons are frozen. This includes any entities that are 50% or more owned by those on the sanctions list. OFAC regulations prohibit any transactions by U.S. persons or within the U.S. involving the property of those designated unless specifically authorized. Violations of these sanctions can result in civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and foreign actors. The Treasury Department has stated that the ultimate goal of these sanctions is to encourage a change in behavior among those involved in Iran’s energy exports.
Future Actions and Legal Recourse
The U.S. Treasury has indicated that those who have been sanctioned may seek to be removed from the sanctions list by following established legal procedures. This provides a potential pathway for individuals and entities to contest their designation and regain access to their assets. The sanctions also extend to various entities based in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and the UAE, further broadening the scope of the U.S. government’s efforts to curb Iran’s energy export capabilities. The ongoing sanctions reflect the U.S. commitment to addressing concerns related to Iran’s support for terrorism and its impact on regional stability.
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