Washington expands sanctions against Iranian aviation sector
The US Treasury imposed 36 new sanctions on Iran's aviation industry, including Mahan Air, aiming to cut off access to US-origin aircraft and technology. The measures also target front companies and intermediaries in Turkey and the UAE, and suspend overflight authorizations. This escalation is part of pressure on Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control halted three aviation permissions that previously allowed overflights and enabled foreign carriers to operate US-built aircraft into Iranian territory. This move directly obstructs the logistical channels that sustain the country's air connectivity.
Alongside the airline designations, the department issued a directive for financial institutions to report procurement networks. It also singled out businesses in Turkey and the UAE, aiming to dismantle the covert transshipment routes Tehran uses to acquire sensitive aviation components.
These sanctions could severely restrict Iranian passenger and cargo aviation, potentially isolating the nation further. The suspension of overflight rights may disrupt regional flight paths and commercial logistics. By penalizing intermediaries in Turkey and the UAE, the measures could strain trade relationships in those countries. The escalating pressure might also heighten tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy prices, while ordinary Iranians could face reduced access to essential travel and medical services.