Washington, September 9 (Daily Kiran) : The U.S. Department of the Treasury has officially added 27 Iranian airlines to its list of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN). This move aims to increase pressure on Iran by targeting its remaining commercial airlines.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Treasury Department stated that these airlines have long supported activities destabilizing the Iranian government. Reports indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has allegedly utilized private airlines for procuring and transporting weapons, as well as moving personnel.
The sanctions are not new; the U.S. first imposed restrictions on Iran’s Mahan Air back in October 2011. Recently, on July 30, additional companies linked to Mahan Air were also targeted.
The latest sanctions focus on covert front companies, foreign intermediaries, and deceptive transit routes that Iran reportedly uses to obtain U.S.-origin aircraft and sensitive technology. Notably, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned four companies from Turkey, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, accused of providing cargo services and sales support to Mahan Air.
In addition, OFAC has suspended permissions allowing flights over Iran and restricted non-U.S. airlines from transporting U.S.-origin or U.S.-controlled commercial aircraft to Iran.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, operating under the Treasury Department, has called on financial institutions to report any activities linked to networks supporting Iran’s aviation sector.
According to the press release, Mahan Air received at least three Boeing 777 aircraft in the summer of 2026, routed through the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pejashkian stated on Tuesday that Iran will continue to resist with full strength until “the aggressors” regret their actions. He emphasized, via a post on social media platform X, that Iran has always opposed war.
Pejashkian remarked, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently stood against war. We believe the path to safeguarding the interests of our people and maintaining security in the West Asia region lies in avoiding the provocation of conflict.” He further asserted that Iran will steadfastly protect its people’s rights.
Tensions continue to rise as both nations navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.
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