US imposes fresh sanctions on Mahan Air allies
The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on an international network accused of supporting Iran’s Mahan Air, alleging the airline has played a key role in transporting personnel, weapons, and drones linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a statement, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against six individuals and entities based in China, India, Russia, and Iran. The targeted network is accused of facilitating operations for Mahan Air despite existing US and European sanctions on the carrier.
According to US officials, several of the sanctioned companies acted as sales agents for Mahan Air, helping the airline maintain international operations and evade restrictions imposed by Western governments.
Washington has repeatedly accused Mahan Air of providing logistical support to the IRGC by transporting military personnel, weapons, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Iran has consistently denied similar allegations in the past.
The latest sanctions come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following recent drone attacks targeting gas-carrying vessels at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta. The incident has raised concerns that the confrontation between the two countries could expand into a new area of conflict.
The US said the new measures are aimed at disrupting financial and commercial networks that support Iran’s sanctioned aviation sector and limiting its ability to conduct activities viewed as a threat to regional security.