US Sanctions Four India-Based Firms and Three Nationals Over Iran Trade

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies and three Indian nationals for allegedly trading Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products, part of a broader action targeting 60 entities and vessels under "Operation Economic Outcast." The State Department accused Portease Partners LLP of facilitating Iranian petrochemical imports, while Sadashiva Overseas Ltd allegedly imported $69 million worth of Iranian petroleum. PP Softtech Pvt Ltd and Prakrutees Infra Impex India Pvt Ltd each faced similar allegations involving $25 million, with the sanctioned individuals linked to these firms. The US also threatened countries doing business with Iran but delayed penalties, while beginning to return personnel to some Middle East diplomatic missions, signaling reduced near-term escalation risk, though embassies may operate below full capacity initially.