The US Treasury has sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines and several foreign intermediaries in a fresh crackdown on Iran’s civil aviation sector, targeting carriers linked to Mahan Air’s support network. The measures also hit companies in Turkey, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan that facilitated aircraft transfers, cargo services and sales-agent support, while Treasury suspended three aviation-related authorisations covering overflights and other support arrangements.
Reuters reported that the package covers 36 targets in total and reaches Iran’s remaining active airline network, including Zagros Airlines and Air Shiraz. Treasury has been seeking to increase pressure on Mahan Air and other carriers accused of helping move weapons, personnel and cargo through civilian aviation. Foreign entities assisting Iranian airlines now face the prospect of further sanctions, extending the campaign beyond domestic operators to the intermediaries that keep aircraft in service and connected to international operations.