US Imposes Sanctions on Over a Dozen Companies, Including 3 From India, for Trading with Iran

The US Department of Treasury has identified companies, individuals, and vessels that have played a key role in facilitating and financing the clandestine sale of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Treasury has stated that Sahara Thunder is the main front company overseeing Iran’s commercial activities in support of these efforts.

Three India-based companies have been sanctioned for supporting Sahara Thunder, namely Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited. Sahara Thunder, an Iranian military entity, relies on a large shipping network involved 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 disclosed that 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 CHEM has been used by Sahara Thunder for multiple shipments of commodities since 2022.

The Treasury also revealed that Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Co. has provided ship management services in support of several Sahara Thunder-related shipments, including those by the CHEM. Furthermore, Iran-based Asia Marine Crown Agency has served as the port agent in Bandar Abbas, Iran, supporting several Sahara Thunder shipments.

The Treasury noted that India-based Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited and UAE-based company Trans Gulf Agency LLC have collaborated to provide ship management services in support of Sahara Thunder. Additionally, the UAE and Iran-based Coral Trading EST.

have purchased Iranian commodities from Sahara Thunder. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson emphasized that Iran’s Ministry of Defence continues to destabilize the region and world with its support to Russia’s war in Ukraine, unprecedented attack on Israel, and proliferation of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to terrorist proxies.

He reiterated the commitment of the United States, along with its British and Canadian partners, to use all means available to combat those who would finance Iran’s destabilizing activities.