The United States has imposed sanctions on an India-based couple and several associated entities, accusing them of helping Iran’s shadow fleet transport petroleum while evading international restrictions.

The US Treasury identified the individuals as Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. According to the department, the couple operated a network that provided false maritime flags and certifications to vessels involved in transporting Iranian petroleum, including ships linked to Iran’s military and its proxies. 

The sanctions were announced as part of the Trump administration’s Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign aimed at disrupting Iran’s economic networks and oil revenues.

US alleges fraudulent maritime registrations

According to the US Treasury, Sharma and Shahid allegedly established fraudulent maritime registries and classification societies by creating websites that claimed to provide services on behalf of countries that had not authorised them.

The department said the couple’s activities went back to at least 2014, when they allegedly attempted to impersonate the maritime flagging authority of Dominica.

The Treasury further alleged that their network provided registration and certification services to vessels transporting Iranian petroleum, helping them circumvent international restrictions. 

False ship flags and maritime certifications can allow vessels to operate while avoiding regulatory and sanctions-related scrutiny, according to the US authorities.

India-based firms also face sanctions

The US action also covers several India-based companies and entities associated with the alleged network.

Among those designated are Oceaniek Technologies India and Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited. Other entities named by the Treasury include Precept Trends Private Limited, Polynesia Maritime Private Limited, Alexarya Finserv Private Limited, Alexarya Media and Entertainment Private Limited, Viharaboating Private Limited and Aryavart Maritime and Educational Trust.

The Treasury imposed the measures under Executive Order 13902, which targets key sectors of Iran’s economy, including petroleum, petrochemicals and aviation.

US Treasury issues warning

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would continue targeting people and organisations it believes are supporting Iran.

“Under Operation Economic Outcast, you are either with us or against us,” Bessent said, adding that the US would sanction those it believes continue supporting the Iranian regime, whether by land, sea or air. 

Separately, the US also sanctioned Turkey-based Fugo Ground Services Inc, accusing it of providing ground-handling and other services to US-sanctioned Iranian airlines. 

The latest action therefore extends Washington’s sanctions campaign beyond Iranian entities to foreign individuals and companies that the US alleges are helping Tehran’s sanctioned oil and aviation networks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned against expecting a change in US policy towards Tehran following the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections. He said those hoping that political changes in Washington would lead to a shift in America’s approach towards Iran were seriously mistaken.

His remarks came after Democrats secured control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, dealing a major electoral setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

In a message posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday, November 4, Khamenei said Iranians understood their position towards the United States more clearly than ever. He also said that examining the reasons behind what he described as US hostility and Iran’s resistance would provide guidance for the country’s future course.

Khamenei cautioned against viewing changes in the political balance in Washington as an indication that American policy towards Iran would become less hostile.

Khamenei Warns Of Wider Middle East War

The Iranian Supreme Leader also warned that the ongoing Middle East war could expand further if the United States resumed its attacks on Iran.

“Should such aggressions be repeated, its (the war) scope will become much wider,” he said.

His warning comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the conflict involving the two countries remaining a major issue in US politics.

Democrats Take Control Of Both Houses Of Congress

The Democratic Party secured control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections, marking a significant setback for Trump’s Republicans.

The party benefited from public dissatisfaction with Trump and gained greater power to scrutinise and challenge his administration during the final two years of his presidency.

Trump, meanwhile, struck a conciliatory tone in an interview with The New York Times, saying he was “absolutely willing to accept those results” and was prepared to work with Democrats.

Iran War Emerged As A Key Election Issue

The war involving Iran was among the major issues during the US midterm election campaign.

Democratic candidates criticised Trump over the conflict and linked it to economic difficulties that had contributed to frustration among voters across the country.

Khamenei’s remarks, however, indicated that Tehran does not expect the change in congressional control to result in a fundamental shift in Washington’s approach towards Iran.

US President Donald Trump has reacted to the Republican Party’s setbacks in the 2026 US midterm elections, claiming that the party would have secured a landslide victory if he had been on the ballot.

Trump made the remark as Democrats registered significant gains in congressional contests, putting Republican control of Congress under pressure.

The November 3 midterm elections were widely seen as an important test of Trump’s presidency, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats up for election.

According to Trump’s assessment, his presence on the ballot would have changed the outcome for Republicans.

The President’s remarks came after Democrats made significant advances in several closely watched races, challenging Republican control of both chambers of Congress.

Democrats make gains in key congressional races

The election results indicated a strong performance by Democrats in several important contests.

In the Senate, Democrats flipped multiple Republican-held seats, including victories in Texas, South Carolina and Ohio. In the House of Representatives, Democratic candidates also defeated several Republican incumbents, bringing the party closer to securing a majority.

The developments raised the possibility of Democrats taking control of both chambers, although some contests were still being counted.

A change in congressional control would have significant implications for Trump’s remaining presidential term, potentially making it more difficult for his administration to advance its legislative agenda.

Why the 2026 US midterm elections matter

The US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Unlike presidential elections, voters elect members of Congress, including representatives and a portion of the Senate.

The elections are particularly important because the party controlling Congress has considerable influence over legislation, government spending and oversight of the administration.

For Trump, the 2026 elections were a major political test as Republicans sought to maintain their congressional majorities.

Democratic gains could change the political balance in Washington during the final two years of his presidency.