US expands Iran sanctions targeting aviation sector

The United States on Tuesday issued fresh Iran-related sanctions targeting the country's aviation sector and other companies as part of a broad push to escalate economic pressure on Tehran. The U.S. Treasury Department stated the action aims to ground Iran's Mahan Air, which was already sanctioned, and expand sanctions to all other Iranian airlines. The sanctions also target covert front companies, cargo handlers, foreign intermediaries, and deceptive trans-shipment routes that Washington says Iran relies on to obtain U.S.-origin aircraft and sensitive technology. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously warned that airlines were potential sanctions targets. In July, the Treasury designated six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran.