US has provoked a diplomatic reaction after imposing fresh sanctions on Iranian oil networks. Tehran hit out at Washington on Thursday, claiming Donald Trump had used the world economy to impose US hegemony on independent states. The sanctions, which affect more than 50 individuals and entities, affect at least six Indian companies or individuals.
he action comes on the same day that Trump put a 25% tariff on Indian imports and threatened additional penalties on India for its commerce with Russia. Iran responded by criticizing the action as an example of economic imperialism of the modern era and cautioning that such actions imperil the emergence of a multilateral world order dominated by the Global South.
Iran Slams US for Economic Imperialism
The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi made a sharp statement after the US announced the sanctions. It condemned the US for imposing sanctions by using coercive economic means to seek to impose its will on independent countries. The embassy described the sanctions as a contravention of international law and national sovereignty.
“These coercive discriminatory measures contravene the norms of international law and national sovereignty,” the statement said. “They are a contemporary version of economic imperialism.
Iran maintained that resisting such policies was the only way to construct a more resilient non-Western-led global order. The embassy also reminded Iran of the value it placed on emerging economies and their sovereign decision-making rights.
Trump’s Sanctions Target Iran’s Oil Empire
It is stated from the US Department of the Treasury that the move to impose sanctions targets a network of widespread control on tankers and containerships owned by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei top advisor Ali Shamkhani.
It is reported by the Treasury that Hossein constructed the fleet on the back of his father’s political power. The network exports oil and other products from Iran and Russia to markets around the world, earning tens of billions of dollars. The US asserts it directly finances activities contrary to international standards.
Indian Entities Named in US Sanctions List
At least six Indian persons or companies were included in the Wednesday sanctions. Their activities, according to sources, involve association with shipping activities that mediate Iranian oil exports.
This follows heightened tensions between New Delhi and Washington. Trump had already slapped a 25% tariff on goods from India. He also hinted at imposing more sanctions if India doesn’t reduce trade with Russia.
The concurrent attack on Indian targets in sanctions and tariffs has raised eyebrows. It marks an emerging trend of punitive pressure strategies from Washington.
India’s Strategic Conundrum Grows
This double whammy—tariffs and sanctions—leaves India at a disadvantage. New Delhi is treading a diplomatic tightrope, attempting to reconcile its energy demands, defence relations with Russia, and increasing trade with Iran.
Trump’s actions can undermine India’s strategic autonomy. India has established closer relations with the US, but these sanctions raise doubts about Washington’s predictability as a long-term ally. India is now in the difficult position of aligning with its own or succumbing to Washington’s coercion.
As Iran and other countries seek a non-Western multilateral world order, India will find itself drawn more and more into this nascent alignment.
Global South Pushback Could Rise
Iran’s reaction reflects growing frustration among Global South countries. The use of economic tools as political weapons could backfire. If such actions continue, more nations may move to decouple from Western-dominated systems.
India’s silence so far suggests caution. But if these pressures mount, New Delhi might have to publicly push back or risk being seen as complicit in a one-sided order.
Trump’s economic warfare will galvanize his domestic base. But abroad, it risks alienating allies, antagonizing partners such as India, and spurring a wider realignment in international power.
