US sanctions companies for illicit trade with Iran

The US government has taken action against several companies, including three Indian ones, for doing illegal business with Iran. Here's a simple explanation of what happened:

US imposed sanctions

The US government punished more than a dozen companies, people, and ships because they were helping Iran's military with unlawful activities. Among them were three Indian businesses: Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited. These firms were found to be supporting Iran in selling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia, which were later used in the conflict in Ukraine.

The main company involved in these illegal activities is Sahara Thunder, which manages Iran's commercial dealings related to UAV sales. The three Indian firms were found to be assisting Sahara Thunder's operations. Zen Shipping and Port India Private Limited signed contracts for a ship called CHEM, managed by Safe Seas Ship Management FZE in the UAE.

The CHEM ship was used by Sahara Thunder for multiple deliveries of goods since 2022. Additionally, Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Co. helped manage some of these deliveries. The port agent in Bandar Abbas, Iran, was Asia Marine Crown Agency, which supported several shipments linked to Sahara Thunder.

Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited, based in India, and Trans Gulf Agency LLC, based in the UAE, worked together to provide ship management services for Sahara Thunder. Also, Coral Trading EST, based in the UAE and Iran, bought Iranian goods from Sahara Thunder.

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Why Did the US Take Action?

The US government decided to impose sanctions because of Iran's harmful activities in the region. Iran's Ministry of Defence has been aiding Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine and has been connected to attacks on Israel. Moreover, Iran has been spreading UAVs and other military equipment to terrorist groups.

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson, stressed the need to counter Iran's destabilizing actions. He highlighted the collaboration between the US, the UK, and Canada in using all available means to combat those who finance Iran's harmful activities.

These sanctions are part of broader efforts by the US government to stop illegal trade and disrupt the financing of activities that threaten peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. By targeting entities involved in facilitating Iran's harmful activities, the US aims to deter such behavior and protect global security interests.

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