US Sanctions India-Based Petro Trader for Alleged Involvement in Iran’s ‘Illicit’ Oil Network:

In a major escalation of its pressure campaign against Iran, the United States has announced a fresh set of sanctions targeting what it calls Tehran’s “illicit” petroleum trading network. Among the 17 entities flagged by the US Department of State is TR6 Petro India LLP, an India-based petroleum products trader accused of facilitating the import of Iranian-origin bitumen in violation of American sanctions. The new sanctions were unveiled by the US administration under President Donald Trump, which said the designated entities, individuals, vessels, and service providers were enabling Iran to generate funds that could support its nuclear programme and fuel regional instability. In its official statement, the State Department said the latest measures are intended “to stem the flow of revenue that the Iranian regime uses to advance its nuclear program, and to enable shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers.” The administration accused Iran of using these revenues to intensify conflict across the Middle East. India-Based TR6 Petro India LLP Among Those Sanctioned According to the State Department, TR6 Petro India LLP imported more than $8 million worth of Iranian-origin bitumen between October 2024 and June 2025. The department alleges that the company “knowingly engaged” in oil trading activities with Iran despite the long-standing US sanctions regime aimed at restricting the Islamic Republic’s energy exports. The US argues that such trade indirectly helps Iran continue funding what Washington describes as “nuclear escalations,” in addition to supporting militant groups and disrupting trade and maritime security in strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. “The United States will continue to act against the network of maritime service providers, dark fleet operators, and petroleum products traders involved in the transport of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products,” the statement added. It further noted that while Iran’s primary oil authorities — such as the Ministry of Petroleum, the National Iranian Oil Company, and the National Iranian Tanker Company — are already sanctioned, Tehran has been relying heavily on third-country intermediaries to circumvent restrictions and keep its oil exports flowing. Broader Crackdown: Treasury Targets 41 More Entities Alongside the State Department’s announcement, the US Treasury Department imposed an additional set of sanctions on 41 entities, individuals, vessels, and even aircraft alleged to be tied to Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical export network. Washington accuses this network of not only helping Iran evade sanctions but also providing financial and logistical support to armed groups aligned with Tehran. US officials claimed that these exports serve as a crucial source of revenue that Iran uses to supply arms and resources to what Washington designates as terrorist organizations. The Treasury reiterated that it would continue targeting actors who assist Iran in bypassing sanctions through deceptive shipping practices, including falsifying cargo documents, concealing vessel identities, or transferring oil at sea. A Continuing Rift Over Iran’s Oil Trade This latest wave of sanctions underscores America’s continued efforts to squeeze Iran’s oil-dependent economy while discouraging global companies from engaging in any form of petroleum trade linked to the country. With India-based TR6 Petro India LLP now on the sanctions list, the US has signaled that it is increasingly willing to call out and penalize businesses from partner nations as well. As Washington vows tougher actions in the coming months, the global energy market — already balancing geopolitical tensions — is likely to feel the ripples of this expanding sanctions campaign.

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