United States: The United States has imposed sanctions on 10 entities, six individuals and five vessels over alleged trade in Iranian-origin petroleum, petroleum products and petrochemicals, the US State Department announced on Thursday. The measures target businesses and individuals linked to India, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Iran and the United Kingdom, including five Indian nationals accused by Washington of facilitating imports or shipments of Iranian products.
Why Has Washington Imposed These Sanctions?
The sanctions form part of US President Donald Trump’s “Operation Economic Outcast”, which Washington says aims to disrupt networks that enable Iran to sell petroleum and petrochemical products and generate revenue. The measures target companies and individuals allegedly involved in purchasing, importing or transporting Iranian-origin goods.
Which Indian Companies and Individuals Have Been Targeted?
The US sanctioned Dhwani Nisarg Vora and Nisarg Samir Vora, directors of India-based SSPL Solutions, over the company’s reported imports of approximately $2 million worth of Iranian petrochemical products between February and July 2025.
Three other Indian nationals — Ketan Manohar Kochikar, Bhupendrasingh Dhalsingh Sahu and Harishyam Hariharan Chundakatt il — were also targeted. According to the State Department, they are directors of Samudra Marine Services, an Indian customs broker alleged to have facilitated imports of Iranian petrochemical products.
Which Turkish and UAE Firms Face Sanctions?
Türkiye-based Noorzad Petrokimya and its director and chief executive, Said Ahmad Noorzad, were sanctioned over alleged purchases of approximately $3.8 million worth of Iranian-origin petrochemical products between January and July 2024.
In the UAE, ArabianPro Materials FZCO was targeted over the reported export of approximately $2 million worth of Iranian-origin petrochemical products between February and July 2025. Washington also sanctioned UAE-based Horizon Ship Management FZE and Hessonite Ship Management LLC, alleging that the companies managed vessels transporting Iranian petroleum and petroleum products.
What Is the Objective of the Sanctions?
Washington says the measures are intended to restrict Iran’s ability to generate revenue through petroleum and petrochemical exports by targeting companies, intermediaries and shipping networks allegedly involved in the trade. The action extends US sanctions enforcement to businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.
What Could Be the Wider Implications?
The sanctions could affect the targeted companies’ access to US-linked financial transactions and commercial relationships, depending on the applicable restrictions. They also highlight the compliance risks facing international trading, customs brokerage and maritime businesses dealing in Iranian-origin commodities. The announcement, as reported, does not establish whether the affected governments will take further action in response.