Washington: The US has imposed sanctions on six entities and individuals, including an Indian company, for supporting Iranian airline Mahan Air. The US Treasury Department took this action on Thursday. The sanctioned entities also include India-based Skies Travels and Logistics Pvt Ltd, which works as the General Sales Agent of Mahan Air. The US alleges that these entities and individuals played a role in providing assistance to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said that people or entities who provide financial services, logistics or business support to the IRGC or Mahan Air are helping sustain a terrorist organization.
Action also taken against India’s Skies Travels
According to the US Treasury Department, Skies Travels and Logistics Private Limited has offices in Srinagar and Delhi. The company stated on its website that it began operating as a general sales agent for Mahan Airways in 2020. The US claims that Mahan Air presents itself as a civilian aviation company but has long supported the IRGC.
Serious allegations leveled against Mahan Air
According to the US Treasury Department, Mahan Air allegedly facilitated travel arrangements for IRGC Quds Force personnel, supported military training activities, and played a role in the movement of drones and weapons. These allegations led to sanctions against sales agents and other entities associated with Mahan Air.
Companies from China and Russia are on the list.
The US action also targets several Chinese and Russian companies. These include China’s Shanghai Wings International Logistics Company, Shanghai Elite International Travel Company, and Russia’s Air Cargo Pro Ltd. According to the US, Shanghai Wings coordinated the delivery of electronic goods from China to Iran. Shanghai Elite is said to represent Mahan Air.
Sanctions also imposed on a company linked to the IRGC
The US Treasury Department has added Dadenegar, a startup studio allegedly linked to Iran’s IRGC, to its list of sanctioned entities. The US alleges that the company facilitated the targeting of military targets through a website. US officials have said they will continue to identify and exclude the IRGC and its associated networks from the US financial system.