US President Donald Trump (Img: Pinterest)
Washington: The United States has imposed sanctions on four India-based companies and several Indian nationals over alleged involvement in the trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products, as Washington intensifies efforts to restrict Tehran’s international revenue channels.
The action was announced under the US administration’s new sanctions campaign, aimed at cutting off financial sources linked to Iran’s energy exports. The move has increased concerns for companies involved in business activities with Tehran as Washington continues to push allies and partners to reduce economic engagement with Iran.
The India-linked entities facing US action include Portease Partners LLP, Sadashiva Overseas Limited, PP Softtech Private Limited and Prakrutees Infra Impex Private Limited.
According to the US State Department, these companies were involved in transactions related to Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. Portease Partners, a customs brokerage firm, was accused of helping facilitate multiple shipments of Iranian-origin petrochemical goods.
The US also sanctioned individuals including Indrismiya Ashrafmiya Sheikh, Harish Ramachandra Rangi and PP Softtech director Prashant Garg.
US officials claimed that Sadashiva Overseas imported Iranian petroleum products worth around $69 million, while PP Softtech and Prakrutees Infra were linked to petroleum imports valued at approximately $25 million each.
The companies were designated for allegedly engaging in significant transactions involving the purchase, transportation, sale or marketing of Iranian petroleum products.
US officials said the sanctions were part of a broader strategy to prevent Iran from using energy revenues to support activities that Washington considers destabilising.
The latest sanctions have drawn criticism from Tehran, which has repeatedly opposed US efforts to restrict its trade relations with other countries.
Iranian officials have argued that Washington cannot prevent Iran from maintaining economic partnerships with key trading nations. Tehran has also warned of possible retaliation against expanded sanctions targeting its energy sector.
The latest move highlights growing tensions between the US and Iran, with energy trade remaining a major point of conflict in global diplomacy.
