The US Department of the Treasury has escalated its economic measures against Tehran by imposing comprehensive sanctions on a global network facilitating operational and commercial support for Iran's Mahan Air. Washington asserts that this international network aids the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the United States classifies as a foreign terrorist organization. The latest punitive measures directly target six entities and individuals operating across India, China, Russia, and Iran that performed vital functions as sales agents, logistics partners, or representatives for the Iranian carrier.
Targeting Mahan Air Global Sales Network
According to an official release from the US Treasury, the newly blacklisted network consists of companies that functioned as General Sales Agents for Mahan Air in several key international commercial hubs. Prominently included among the targeted entities is India-based Skys Travels & Logistics Private Limited, which Washington accuses of serving as the airline's official sales agent inside India. US authorities maintain that by handling regional ticketing, cargo logistics, and commercial support, such overseas agents enabled Mahan Air to sustain its international operations despite existing restrictions.
Treasury Department Emphasizes Financial Isolation
Underlining the severity of the enforcement action, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that individuals or entities extending logistical, commercial, or financial assistance to the IRGC or Mahan Air are actively supporting a designated terrorist organization. Scott Bessent affirmed that the Treasury Department will continue identifying, exposing, and severing such entities from the US financial system. The enforcement effectively freezes any US assets belonging to the named firms and bans American citizens or institutions from engaging in financial dealings with them.
Chinese and Russian Entities Added to Sanctions List
The punitive action extends significantly into Chinese and Russian commercial sectors. In China, Shanghai Wings International Logistics Company was sanctioned for acting as a sales agent and aiding the transportation of electronic goods from China to Iran for Mahan Air. Additionally, Chinese national Tang Xin was blacklisted due to his operational ties with both Shanghai Wings and Shanghai Elite International Travel Company, the latter accused of representing Mahan Air across China. In Russia, Air Cargo Pro Limited was placed under sanctions for its alleged role as a freight sales agent backing the Iranian airline.
Civilian Aviation Facade Used for Military Movements
The US Treasury Department underscored that Mahan Air leveraged its status as a civilian commercial airline to transport IRGC personnel across international routes. Crucially, US officials alleged that the carrier facilitated the illicit procurement and movement of weapons alongside Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems. Furthermore, the updated sanctions hit Tehran-based firm Dadenegar, which Washington accused of attempting to gather precise location data on US and Israeli military equipment to assist Iranian armed forces in targeting those assets.
