Sanctions – US Expands Measures Against Network Linked to Iran’s Mahan Air Operations
Sanctions – The United States has announced a fresh round of sanctions aimed at companies and individuals it says are helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintain the international activities of Mahan Air, an airline long accused by Washington of providing logistical support to the Iranian military.
US Broadens Sanctions on International Network
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on six entities and individuals operating across several countries. According to US authorities, those designated include businesses acting as general sales agents for Mahan Air, an airline that Washington has repeatedly accused of assisting the IRGC with transportation and logistical operations beyond civilian aviation.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the latest action is intended to disrupt the financial and commercial support systems that help the airline continue its activities. He stated that individuals or companies providing logistics, financial assistance or commercial services to the IRGC or Mahan Air contribute to an organisation that the United States classifies as involved in terrorism. He added that the Treasury Department would continue identifying such networks and limiting their access to the US financial system.
Washington Highlights Role of Mahan Air
The US State Department said the sanctions focus on organisations that allegedly enable the IRGC through continued support for Mahan Air. American officials claim the airline has been used to transport military personnel, weapons and equipment linked to Iran’s security operations.
According to the Treasury Department, although Mahan Air presents itself as a commercial airline, US investigators believe it has for years played a wider role by facilitating travel for members of the IRGC-Qods Force, supporting military training activities and assisting in the movement and procurement of unmanned aerial vehicle systems and other military equipment.
Officials said the latest measures are designed to weaken the commercial infrastructure that allows the airline to operate internationally.
Companies and Individuals Added to the List
Among those sanctioned are China-based Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co., Shanghai Elite International Travel Co., Chinese national Tang Xin, Russia-based Air Cargo Pro Limited, and Iran-based DadeNegar Startup Studio, along with additional entities named by US authorities.
The Treasury Department identified Tang Xin as the managing director of Shanghai Wings International Logistics and the owner of Shanghai Elite International Travel, both of which allegedly represented Mahan Air’s commercial interests in China.
US officials said these organisations played roles in supporting or facilitating services connected with the sanctioned airline.
Allegations Against Iranian Technology Firm
The sanctions package also includes DadeNegar Startup Studio, which US officials described as a front company associated with the IRGC.
According to the Treasury Department, the company allegedly operated an online platform that collected information about the locations of American and Israeli equipment in the Middle East. US authorities further claimed that the platform coordinated with the IRGC by receiving requests related to potential military targets in the region.
The Iranian government has not immediately responded publicly to these specific allegations.
US Warns Global Businesses About Continued Engagement
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott urged international businesses and financial institutions to carefully assess the risks of maintaining commercial relationships with Mahan Air or other Iranian carriers already under US sanctions.
He said Washington would continue taking action against organisations that it believes provide resources, logistical assistance or information to the IRGC, arguing that such support threatens American personnel, regional partners and broader stability in the Middle East.
Under the sanctions, any assets or property belonging to the designated individuals and organisations that fall within US jurisdiction will be frozen. American citizens and companies are generally prohibited from conducting business with those listed. The Treasury Department also warned that foreign financial institutions involved in significant transactions with sanctioned parties could face secondary sanctions, potentially affecting their access to the US financial system.