US imposes sanctions on over a dozen companies, including three from India, for trade and ties with Iran
- In Reports
- 04:51 PM, Apr 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United States has imposed sanctions on over a dozen companies, individuals, and vessels, including three from India, for their involvement in facilitating illicit trade and transfers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on behalf of the Iranian military.
The US Department of Treasury stated that these entities have played a central role in enabling and financing the covert sale of Iranian UAVs to support Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
The main front company overseeing Iran's commercial activities in support of these efforts has been identified as Sahara Thunder. The three India-based companies facing sanctions for their support of Sahara Thunder are Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited.
According to the Treasury, the Iranian military entity Sahara Thunder relies on an extensive shipping network engaged in the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities on behalf of Iran's Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to various jurisdictions, including the People's Republic of China (PRC), Russia, and Venezuela.
The Treasury further stated, "Sahara Thunder has entered into time-charter contracts with India-based Zen Shipping and Port India Private Limited for the Cook Islands-flagged vessel CHEM (IMO 9240914), which is managed and operated by UAE-based Safe Seas Ship Management FZE."
The Treasury revealed that Sahara Thunder has utilised the vessel CHEM for multiple commodity shipments since 2022. Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Co. has provided ship management services for numerous Sahara Thunder-related shipments, including those facilitated by the CHEM.
Furthermore, the Treasury noted that Iran-based Asia Marine Crown Agency has acted as the port agent in Bandar Abbas, Iran, supporting several Sahara Thunder shipments.
Additionally, it stated that India-based Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited and UAE-based Trans Gulf Agency LLC have collaborated to provide ship management services in support of Sahara Thunder. UAE and Iran-based Coral Trading EST have procured Iranian commodities from Sahara Thunder.
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson expressed concern over Iran's Ministry of Defence's destabilising activities, including support for Russia's war in Ukraine and proliferation of UAVs to terrorist proxies.
Nelson affirmed that the United States, alongside British and Canadian partners, would continue to employ all available means to counter those financing Iran's destabilising actions.
Image source: The Economic Times
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