The United States has imposed new sanctions on Indian companies, individuals and aviation services firms in Turkey for allegedly providing support to Iran’s oil and aviation industries.
Washington’s Operation Economic Outcast campaign against Tehran, announced on November 4, 2026, under the US Iran Sanctions, aims to limit financial assistance to Tehran.
The new actions are aimed at the maritime certification activities and aviation services that are believed to be used by Iranian entities to evade U.S. restrictions, the US Treasury Department said.
US Iran Sanctions Target Indian Maritime Businesses
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on India-based Suniel Kumar Sharma, his wife Jaspreet Preeti Shahid and their companies. The officials claim their network has provided false ship registrations and maritime certifications to ships carrying Iranian petroleum, some of which are connected to Iran’s military.
Indian Companies Accused of Providing False Ship Certifications
The Treasury pointed to these companies in the alleged network: Oceaniek Technologies India, Aryavart Ship Management, and other firms. According to investigators, the operators were successfully able to pass themselves off as shipping officers from other nations, such as Eswatini and Laos, that allowed authorized ships to run under false documents.
Turkish Aviation Company Faces New US Restrictions
Another company, Fugo Ground Services Inc, which operates in Turkey, was also deemed to have violated the US sanctions for ground-handling services to Iranian airlines already barred by the United States. The Treasury singled out carriers such as Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines and Taban Airlines, saying they were “counterproductive” to U.S. efforts to enforce the sanctions.
Washington Intensifies Pressure on Iran’s Oil Trade
The latest measures come on top of US actions to cut off Iran’s international commercial networks. The Office of Foreign Assets Control also sent an advisory alert to maritime companies concerning the falsely flagged boats. Typically, sanctions forbid assets being held in the United States, or transactions with American persons, of certain individuals or entities.
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