The US Treasury has imposed 36 new sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector and companies accused of supporting Iranian airlines. The action is part of the Trump administration’s Operation Economic Outcast, aimed at cutting Tehran’s financial and trade links.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Why Is Washington Targeting Iran’s Airlines?
The latest measures target all remaining Iranian airlines, including 27 carriers, as Washington seeks to restrict Iran’s ability to use its aviation network to transport weapons, personnel and illicit cargo. Mahan Air, already under US sanctions, is a major focus of the new action.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: Which Foreign Companies Are Facing Sanctions?
The US has also sanctioned companies and intermediaries in countries including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Kazakhstan. Washington says these networks helped Iranian airlines operate and assisted Tehran in obtaining US-origin aircraft and sensitive aviation technology.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: What Has the US Treasury Suspended?
The Treasury’s sanctions office has suspended certain aviation-related authorizations, including permissions involving the re-export of civil aircraft to Iran. The changes further restrict aviation-related transactions that were previously allowed under US sanctions rules.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: What Warning Has the US Given Foreign Businesses?
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned companies dealing with Iran’s remaining airlines that they could lose access to the international financial system. “Under Operation Economic Outcast, we promised severe consequences for those providing financial lifelines to the Iranian regime,” Bessent said. “Let this be a warning to anyone doing business with Iran’s remaining airlines, all of which we sanctioned today: You are at risk of being cut off from the global financial system.”
US Israel Iran War Latest News: How Could the Aviation Sanctions Affect Iran?
The new measures could make it harder for Iranian airlines to obtain aircraft, spare parts, cargo services and international aviation support. Analysts say the sanctions could significantly restrict Iran’s remaining international air connections and put additional pressure on its already strained economy.
US Israel Iran War Latest News: How Do the Sanctions Fit Into the Wider Iran War?
The aviation sanctions come as the US-Iran conflict intensifies, with fighting also affecting military assets, oil tankers and shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, Iran said it attacked ships in the Strait and launched missiles at a US-used military base in Jordan, while oil prices moved close to $100 a barrel amid concerns over energy and shipping disruptions.
