The US Department of Treasury has recently announced sanctions against over a dozen companies, individuals, and vessels involved in facilitating illicit trade and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transfers on behalf of the Iranian military. This move comes in response to their central role in supporting the clandestine sale of Iranian UAVs for Russia’s operations in Ukraine. The main front company identified in these activities is Sahara Thunder, responsible for overseeing Iran’s commercial endeavors in this regard.
Sanctions have also been imposed on three India-based companies for their support of Sahara Thunder. These companies, namely Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited. The Iranian military entity Sahara Thunder heavily relies on an extensive shipping network to carry out the sale and transportation of Iranian goods on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) to various destinations, including the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and Venezuela.
“Sahara Thunder also plays a key role in Iran’s design, development, manufacture, and sale of thousands of UAVs, many of them ultimately transferred to Russia for use in its war of aggression against Ukraine,” the statement read.
“Sahara Thunder has used the CHEM to conduct multiple shipments of commodities since 2022. Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Co has provided ship management services in support of several Sahara Thunder-related shipments, including those by the CHEM,” it added.
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E Nelson, said, “The United States, in close coordination with our British and Canadian partners, will continue to use all means available to combat those who would finance Iran’s destabilizing activities.”
“Iran’s Ministry of Defense continues to destabilize the region and world with its support to Russia’s war in Ukraine, unprecedented attack on Israel, and proliferation of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to terrorist proxies,” he said.
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