The United States Treasury Department has announced new sanctions against six entities and individuals across India, China, Russia, and Iran. The move targets companies accused of providing logistical and commercial support to Mahan Air, an Iranian airline that Washington alleges serves as a critical conduit for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). By acting as general sales agents, these firms have allegedly helped the airline facilitate the movement of IRGC personnel, military training, and the transport of weapons and drone systems.
Among the designated entities is India-based Skiez Travels and Logistics Private Limited, which has served as a general sales agent for Mahan Air since 2020. Other sanctioned parties include China-based Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co and Shanghai Elite International Travel Co, as well as Russia-based Air Cargo Pro Limited. The Treasury also designated DadeNegar Startup Studio, an Iranian firm described as an IRGC-affiliated front company involved in military targeting.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that those providing financial or logistical support to the IRGC or Mahan Air are sustaining a terrorist enterprise. The sanctions effectively freeze any assets these entities may have under U.S. jurisdiction and warn global financial institutions of the risks associated with maintaining business ties with these firms. This action is part of a broader U.S. effort to disrupt the networks that enable Iran's regional activities.
For the affected companies, the designation creates significant operational hurdles, as they are now largely cut off from the U.S. financial system. The move underscores the U.S. government's commitment to using secondary sanctions to pressure international firms into severing ties with entities linked to the IRGC. As the situation develops, observers will be watching to see how these companies navigate the loss of their U.S.-linked financial access and whether further entities in the network face similar scrutiny.