The United States has announced continued actions against companies and individuals engaged in the transportation and trade of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. This includes maritime service providers, “dark fleet” operators, and petroleum traders who help Iran bypass sanctions. The Trump administration stated that the revenues from these activities support Tehran’s regional terrorist proxies, who use the funds to acquire weapons that threaten U.S. interests and allies.
On November 21, several Indian nationals and companies were sanctioned for involvement in facilitating Iranian oil trade. Those affected include Zair Husain Iqbal Husain Sayed and Zulfikar Hussain Rizvi Sayed, along with Maharashtra-based RN Ship Management Private Limited and Pune-based TR6 Petro India LLP. The U.S. also imposed sanctions on shipping networks, an airline, and related affiliates aiding in these operations.
A total of 17 entities, individuals, and vessels from various countries, including Panama and the Seychelles, have been sanctioned by the State Department. The Treasury Department’s sanctions cover 41 more entities, individuals, vessels, and aircraft as part of broader efforts to disrupt Iran’s petrochemical and oil exports.
The State Department emphasized that revenue from these sales fuels Iran-backed militant groups and helps Tehran acquire dangerous weapon systems. TR6 Petro India LLP, in particular, was flagged for importing over $8 million worth of Iranian bitumen between October 2024 and June 2025.
U.S. authorities warn that Iran continues to promote instability across the Middle East, fund terrorism, and interfere in global maritime routes. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to countering Iran’s illicit trade operations and undermining financial channels that sustain Iran’s destabilizing activities.
