News Americas, New York, NY, 16 October 2024: The United States has imposed sanctions on three Surinamese companies – Strong Roots Provider, Glazing Future Management and Engen Management – due to their alleged business ties to the Iranian oil sector.
The sanctions, announced by Washington, come after the US imposed measures on companies involved in Iran’s oil industry following the country’s attack on Israel on October 1, when around 180 rockets were fired at the Jewish state. Sanctions were also applied to companies in India, Malaysia and Hong Kong for facilitating the sale and transport of Iranian oil.
These sanctions fall under the Prohibited Withholding of Iranian Oil Act, part of the Supplemental Emergency Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024. The law targets foreign individuals and companies involved in the trade of oil and petroleum products from Iran and was delegated to the US Treasury Department and the State for enforcement.
Washington stated that the three Surinamese companies function as commercial managers, arranging the transportation of Iranian oil.
Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Albert Ramdin, said the government is gathering information on the matter. He added that while Suriname supports a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East, it does not take a position on the sanctions imposed by the US on Iran. Ramdin noted, “This is a matter for the United States of America” and that the affected companies would have to seek legal recourse in the US if the sanctions affect their operations.
Authorities in Suriname confirmed that the companies are registered in the country, but have not been contacted by the firms regarding the sanctions. Ramdin said the government is investigating the operations of these companies, which media reports indicate are involved in shipping using vessels that do not operate in Suriname but conduct international business.
“We want to know exactly what kind of goods are being sent, where they are coming from and where they are going,” Ramdin said, adding that Suriname is working with US authorities to get more information.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Washington “will not hesitate to take further measures to hold Iran accountable”, while National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stressed that the new sanctions are aimed at depriving Iran of the financial resources it needs. support his missile programs and terrorist groups.
