US Sanctions Over 50 Entities Linked to Iranian Oil Trade

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The US Department of the Treasury on Thursday announced sweeping sanctions targeting more than 50 individuals, companies, and vessels involved in Iran’s crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports. The move is part of Washington’s ongoing push to restrict Tehran’s energy revenues and curb funding that could support regional instability.

Some of the sanctioned entities have direct links to Indian nationals, highlighting the global reach of Iran’s petroleum network.

Indian Firms Under the Spotlight

The Treasury highlighted three Indian-linked firms in particular:

• Bertha Shipping, owned by Varun Pula, reportedly operates the Comoros-flagged vessel PAMIR, which has carried nearly four million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since July 2024.

• Evie Lines Inc, owned by Iyappan Raja, manages the Panama-flagged SAPPHIRE GAS, moving over one million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since April 2025.

• Vega Star Ship Management Pvt Ltd, owned by Soniya Shrestha, oversees the Comoros-flagged NEPTA, which has transported Iranian LPG to Pakistan since January 2025.

These firms are part of a wider pattern of Indian entities previously sanctioned for dealing in Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.

Global Implications

The sanctions extend beyond India, targeting firms and vessels in the UAE, Hong Kong, Panama, China, and the Marshall Islands. They underscore the US strategy to choke Iran’s cash flow following its 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). While India officially stopped direct crude imports from Iran after 2019, reports suggest small-scale indirect trade has persisted through intermediaries.

This latest wave of sanctions aims to dismantle key elements of Iran’s export network, reducing the flow of revenue that could fuel regional conflicts.

Strategic Pressure Continues

Experts note that these measures signal a continued US commitment to controlling the global energy market’s links with Iran while pressuring the country to limit its regional influence. Analysts also suggest the sanctions may push Iran to further diversify its trade routes, intensifying clandestine maritime operations.