The United States administration under President Donald Trump announced a significant crackdown against Iran on Thursday, levying sanctions against 17 entities—including an India-based petroleum products trader—for their involvement in “illicit” Iranian petroleum trading.
The sanctions were coordinated between the US Department of State and the US Treasury Department as part of an effort to choke off funding for the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities.
The Rationale for Sanctions
The US Department of State justified the sanctions by stating that the targeted entities are helping Iran generate revenue to advance its nuclear program and fuel conflicts in the Middle East.
In its official statement, the Department said:
“Today, the Department of State is designating 17 entities, individuals, and vessels to stem the flow of revenue that the Iranian regime uses to advance its nuclear program, and to enable shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers.”
The US accused Iran of using trade revenue to “fund its nuclear escalations, support terrorist groups, and disrupt the flow of trade and freedom of navigation in waterways.” The Department of State vowed continued action against the “network of maritime service providers, dark fleet operators, and petroleum products traders involved in the transport of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products.”
Indian Firm on the Sanctions List
An India-based petroleum products trader, TR6 Petro India LLP, was explicitly named on the list of entities facing US sanctions.
The Department of State detailed the company’s involvement, stating that between October 2024 and June 2025, TR6 Petro India LLP imported over $8 million worth of Iranian-origin bitumen from multiple companies. The company has been sanctioned for “knowingly engaging” in oil trade with Iran.
Broadening the Crackdown
US officials noted that although Iran’s main oil authorities, such such as the Ministry of Petroleum, National Iranian Oil Company, and the National Iranian Tanker Company, are already under sanctions, Iran continues to sell oil via third-country service providers who use deceptive practices.
In a simultaneous action, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 41 additional entities, individuals, vessels, and aircraft. This action was part of a fresh crackdown on Iran’s “illicit petroleum and petrochemical exports,” which the Treasury accused of supplying arms to Iran-backed terrorist groups across the region.