US issues fresh sanctions against individuals and entities aiding Iran

The US Treasury issued fresh sanctions on Wednesday targeting what it called "the vast criminal network" of companies and individuals tied to Iran. It named Indian nationals Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, as well as two other Indian citizens who head two of the couple's businesses, and nine separate entities connected to Sharma. "Their schemes have provided false flags and certifications to sanctioned vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum, including vessels operating on behalf of the Iranian military and its proxies," the department said in a statement.