Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Just days before US and Iranian officials are scheduled to engage in nuclear talks, the US government has announced sanctions against an Indian national and his fleet of approximately 30 vessels. These actions are linked to the alleged transportation of Iranian crude oil in violation of existing sanctions.
According to a Thursday statement by the US Treasury Department, Jugwinder Singh Brar—who operates from the United Arab Emirates—controls multiple shipping firms accused of moving oil on behalf of the National Iranian Oil Company and the Iranian military. The Treasury claims that Brar's fleet also carried out ship-to-ship petroleum transfers near Iraq, Iran, the UAE, and the Gulf of Oman, and collaborated with Houthi officials to bypass sanctions.
Sanctions Extend to Firms in UAE and India
US officials stated that the sanctions cover four entities: two based in the UAE and two in India. These include Prime Tankers LLC and Glory International from the UAE, and Global Tankers Private Limited along with B and P Solutions Private Limited from India. These companies are believed to own and operate vessels managed by Brar.
Attempts to contact the listed companies, including a call to Prime Tankers, went unanswered during non-business hours.
Background on US Sanctions Policy
The sanctions are part of an ongoing effort by the US to curb Iran’s oil exports, particularly under policies initiated during the Trump administration. The maximum pressure strategy aims to restrict Tehran’s access to global markets, particularly focusing on halting oil sales to countries like China.
In the Treasury's statement, Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the role of intermediaries like Brar in sustaining Iran’s oil trade and financing activities that the US views as destabilizing.
