US Imposes Sanctions on Over a Dozen Companies, Including 3 from India, for Trade with Iran

The US Department of Treasury has designated companies, individuals, and vessels linked to the facilitation and financing of the clandestine sale of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The main front company identified as overseeing Iran’s commercial activities for these efforts is Sahara Thunder.

Three India-based companies – Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited – have been sanctioned for supporting Sahara Thunder. Sahara Thunder, an Iranian military entity, depends on a vast shipping network engaged in the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities for 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 a vessel managed and operated by UAE-based Safe Seas Ship Management FZE. The vessel CHEM (IMO 9240914) has been used by Sahara Thunder for multiple shipments of commodities since 2022, with ship management services provided by Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Co. and the port agent in Bandar Abbas, Iran being Iran-based Asia Marine Crown Agency.

Additionally, 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, while Coral Trading EST., based in the UAE and Iran, has purchased Iranian commodities from Sahara Thunder. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson emphasized Iran’s Ministry of Defence’s destabilizing activities and support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as their proliferation of UAVs and other military hardware.

He stated that the US, in coordination with British and Canadian partners, will continue to employ all available means to combat those financing Iran’s destabilizing activities.