3 Indians - Varun Pula, Iyappan Raja and Soniya Shrestha - were among 50+ individuals, entities, and vessels, sanctioned by US President Donald Trump on Thursday for enabling Iran’s energy exports - something that has been under US sanctions in some form or the other since 1979.
Following the fresh sanctions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared that the US’ move was aimed at disrupting the Iranian regime’s ability “to fund terrorist groups that threaten the United States”.
Those targetted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) include nearly two dozen “shadow fleet” vessels, a China-based crude oil terminal, and an independent “teapot” refinery.
Who are the Indians sanctioned by Trump?
Varun Pula owns Marshall Islands-based Bertha Shipping Inc. which according to the Trump administration owns, operates, and manages the Comoros-flagged PAMIR vessel. Since July 2024, PAMIR is said to have transported nearly 4 million barrels of Iranian LPG to China.
Iyappan Raja owns the Marshall Islands-based Evie Lines Inc which in turn owns, operates, and manages the Panama-flagged SAPPHIRE GAS vessel. Since April 2025, the vessel is said to have transported over 1 million barrels of Iranian LPG to China.
And finally - Soniya Shrestha. She owns India-based Vega Star Ship Management Private Limited, which in turn owns, operates, and manages the Comoros-flagged NEPTA vessel. Since January 2025, NEPTA is said to have transported Iranian origin LPG to Pakistan.
What are the implications of these fresh US sanctions?
All property and interests held by these individuals or entities in the US, or in the possession or control of US persons, have been frozen. Any entities or companies that are 50% owned, directly or indirectly, by the sanctioned individuals have also been frozen.
What will happen if anyone violates these sanctions?
If someone, even US citizens, conducts business - the Trump administration may seek civil or criminal penalties against them.
But good old Trump is a stand-up guy. His ultimate goal is apparently not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. So his administration has provided an out.
Varun, Iyappan, Soniya, and the other targets, can get their names removed from the OFAC list. All they need to do is to submit a petition for the same.
