U.S. Sanctions Six Indian Firms in Crackdown on Iranian Oil Trade

In a significant move aimed at tightening economic pressure on Iran, the United States has imposed sanctions on six Indian companies allegedly involved in the trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. The action is part of a broader crackdown targeting 20 global entities accused of violating U.S. sanctions on Tehran.

The U.S. Department of State announced the sanctions on Wednesday, asserting that the Indian firms engaged in “significant transactions” related to the purchase and marketing of Iranian oil — activities that contravene American sanctions law. These measures fall under Executive Order 13846, which reinstated sweeping restrictions on Iran’s energy sector following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

In its statement, the State Department said the Iranian regime “continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East and fund destabilizing activities.” The department added, “Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the regime uses to support terrorism abroad and to oppress its own people.”

The Indian companies named in the sanctions include:

• Kanchan Polymers

• Alchemical Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

• Ramniklal S. Gosalia and Company

• Jupiter Dye Chem Pvt. Ltd.

• Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd.

• Persistent Petrochem Pvt. Ltd.

These firms are part of a larger network operating across the petroleum supply chain, encompassing brokers, shipping companies, and intermediaries allegedly facilitating Iranian oil sales through illicit channels. Ten vessels associated with these operations have also been designated as blocked property.

The sanctions signal Washington’s continued commitment to enforcing restrictions on Iran’s oil sector and curbing its financial resources, which U.S. officials claim are used to support regional militancy and domestic repression.