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US Sanctions Indian Over Iran Oil Trade Links

Why in the News ?

The US has sanctioned UAE-based Indian Jugwinder Singh Brar and his four companies for allegedly aiding Iran’s oil trade. This action is part of Washington’s ongoing “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at disrupting Iranian oil exports and related networks.

Who Was Sanctioned and Why ?

• The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Jugwinder Singh Brar, an Indian national based in the UAE.
• Brar and his four firms are accused of transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, violating US sanctions.
• The companies involved include Chandigarh-based Global Tankers and H and P Solutions, and UAE-based Prime Tankers and Glory International.
• These firms own around 30 vessels, many of which allegedly operate as part of Iran’s “shadow fleet.”

Methods and Allegations

• Brar’s vessels reportedly conducted high-risk ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman and nearby waters.
• The oil was blended with fuels from other countries to hide its Iranian origin and falsify shipping documents.
• OFAC claims Brar coordinated with Sa’id al-Jamal’s shipping associates, linked to Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
• The US accuses Brar of profiting from Iranian oil sales that fund destabilizing regional activities.

Wider Context and Implications

• The sanctions are part of the Trump-era “maximum pressure” strategy, which aims to isolate Iran economically.
• This is the fifth round of sanctions in under three months targeting Iran-linked individuals and entities globally.
• OFAC warned of further action against those enabling Iran’s oil exports via smuggling, shell companies, and false documentation.
• The “shadow fleet” includes operators from nations like Russia, China, and Panama, navigating around Western sanctions.