US Imposes Sanctions on Companies Facilitating Illicit Trade for Iranian Military
US Imposes Sanctions on Companies Facilitating Illicit Trade for Iranian Military
The United States has announced sanctions on more than a dozen companies, including three from India, for their involvement in facilitating illicit trade and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transfers on behalf of the Iranian military. The US Department of Treasury issued an official statement highlighting the role of these entities in financing and facilitating the clandestine sale of Iranian UAVs to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Key Companies Involved
According to the US Department of Treasury, Sahara Thunder is the main front company overseeing Iran’s commercial activities in support of these efforts. The three Indian companies supporting Sahara Thunder are Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited.
Sahara Thunder relies on a vast shipping network that is involved in the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to multiple jurisdictions, including China, Russia, and Venezuela.
Role of Sahara Thunder
The US Treasury statement highlights that Sahara Thunder plays a crucial role in Iran’s design, development, manufacture, and sale of thousands of UAVs, many of which are ultimately transferred to Russia for use in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
The statement also mentions that Sahara Thunder has used the Chem, a vessel, to conduct multiple shipments of commodities since 2022. The Iran-based company, Arsang Safe Trading Co., has provided ship management services in support of several Sahara Thunder-related shipments, including those by the Chem.
US Commitment to Combating Destabilizing Activities
Brian E. Nelson, the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized that the United States, in close coordination with its British and Canadian partners, will continue to use all available means to combat those who finance Iran’s destabilizing activities.
Nelson stated, “Iran’s Ministry of Defense continues to destabilize the region and the world with its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, unprecedented attacks on Israel, and proliferation of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to terrorist proxies.”
Asia Marine Crown Agency, an Iran-based company, has also served as the port agent in Bandar Abbas, Iran, supporting several Sahara Thunder shipments.
The sanctions imposed by the United States reflect its commitment to curbing illicit trade and preventing the transfer of military equipment to entities involved in destabilizing activities. By targeting companies and individuals facilitating these actions, the US aims to disrupt the networks that enable such illicit trade and protect global security.
