look news india
The US yesterday imposed sanctions on more than a dozen companies, individuals and vessels accused of facilitating illicit trade and UAV transfers on behalf of the Iranian military. Three Indian companies are also included in the list of banned companies. The US Treasury Department said these companies, individuals and vessels played a central role in facilitating and financing the private sales of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Which Indian companies are banned?
Additionally, Sahara Thunder, which monitors Iran's business activities in support of these efforts, has been identified as a key lead company in the case. The three India-based companies supporting Sahara Thunder are Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited.
The Russian and Venezuelan treasuries said Iranian military unit Sahara Thunder operates a vast shipping network that delivers Iranian goods to several jurisdictions, including the People's Republic of China (PRC), on behalf of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Additionally, it said Sahara Thunder has entered into a time-charter agreement with India's Zen Shipping and Ports India Pvt Ltd for the Cook Islands-flagged vessel Chemical. It is operated and managed by UAE-based Safe Seas Ship Management FZE.
How did banned companies work?
Treasury said Sahara Thunder has used CHEM for several shipments of the commodity through 2022. Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Company provided ship management services in support of Sahara Thunder-related shipments, including CHEM.
According to the Treasury, Iran's Asia Marine Crown Agency acted as port agent in Bandar Abbas, Iran, supporting several shipments of Sahara Thunder. India's 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. Coral Trading EST of the United Arab Emirates and Iran purchased Iranian goods from Sahara Thunder.
Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of State for Terrorism and Intelligence, said Iran's Defense Department is destabilizing the region and the world by supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, attacks on Israel, and the proliferation of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to terrorists. . Continuing. He said the US, in close coordination with its British and Canadian partners, will continue to use all available tools to combat those who finance Iran.
