The United States has announced fresh sanctions targeting individuals and companies in India and Türkiye over their alleged involvement in supporting Iran’s oil transportation and aviation networks. The measures, announced by the US Department of the Treasury on November 4, 2026, form part of Washington’s broader efforts to restrict Tehran’s access to international trade and financial systems.
The latest action focuses on an India-based network allegedly operated by Suniel Kumar Sharma and his spouse, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. According to the US Treasury, the network established fraudulent maritime registration authorities and classification organisations to help vessels transporting Iranian petroleum operate using false flags and documentation. The activities allegedly allowed sanctioned ships to avoid international restrictions.
Several Indian-linked companies were identified in the announcement, including Oceaniek Technologies India and Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited. The US authorities also identified individuals and businesses allegedly connected to the creation of unauthorised vessel registration and maritime certification services. Washington stated that these arrangements could create serious maritime safety and environmental risks by allowing vessels to operate without proper regulatory oversight and insurance protection.
Alongside the maritime-related sanctions, the US Treasury designated Türkiye-based Fugo Ground Services Inc. for allegedly providing ground-handling and aviation services to Iranian airlines already subject to US restrictions. These carriers reportedly include Iran Air Tour, Saha Airlines, Sepehran Airlines, Varesh Airlines, Taban Airlines and Ata Airlines Company.
According to Washington, some of the service arrangements continued even after the airlines were designated in September 2026. The United States has repeatedly accused parts of Iran’s aviation sector of supporting activities involving military personnel, equipment and resources.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13902, which authorises restrictions against entities supporting key sectors of Iran’s economy, including petroleum and aviation. Under the measures, assets belonging to designated individuals and organisations within US jurisdiction must be blocked, while US persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with them without specific authorisation.
The action is part of the Trump administration’s broader Operation Economic Outcast, launched to disrupt Iran’s oil revenues and international networks allegedly used to bypass sanctions. The initiative has increased scrutiny of shipping operators, financial intermediaries and aviation service providers suspected of facilitating transactions connected to Tehran.
The latest designations highlight Washington’s growing focus on international maritime transparency and aviation compliance as instruments of economic pressure. They also signal that companies operating outside Iran could face sanctions exposure if US authorities determine that they are helping designated Iranian entities circumvent existing restrictions.