US issues sanctions targeting support networks for Iran's Mahan Air
Washington, DC, July 30
The US Department of the Treasury on Thursday announced sanctions against six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran for allegedly supporting Iranian carrier Mahan Air, which Washington maintains has long facilitated the movement of weapons, military hardware, and IRGC-Quds Force personnel.
The enforcement actions also focus on an IRGC-linked front organisation accused by the Treasury of gathering intelligence on the positioning of American and Israeli hardware while aiding Iranian military targeting during the ongoing conflict.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that those offering commercial, logistical, or financial backing to the IRGC or Mahan Air are "helping sustain a terrorist enterprise", committing to progressively ramp up economic leverage against Tehran.
The latest measure follows a parallel set of sanctions rolled out on Wednesday targeting eight oil tankers and 10 corporate entities, according to an official notification released on the US Treasury website.
An official notice from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) specified that six of the commercial entities designated on Wednesday were headquartered in China.
The Treasury added that OFAC has designated more than 100 maritime vessels since January.
Treasury disclosures indicate that several of the targeted firms participated in an IRGC-sponsored extortion scheme requiring commercial vessels to purchase mandatory maritime "insurance" to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The mechanism, identified by the Treasury as the "Hormuz Safe" programme, was instituted by Iran's primary insurance regulator to cover risks largely generated by the Islamic Republic itself, including strikes on vessels, with proceeds earmarked to fund regime operations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's interesting to see the US targeting entities in India too. But honestly, if these companies are really helping the IRGC gather intelligence on American and Israeli military positions, that's a serious security concern. India should investigate any such activities on its soil.
The "Hormuz Safe" programme is pure extortion—Iran forcing ships to pay for "insurance" against risks they themselves create in the Strait of Hormuz. This affects global oil prices and hits India directly since we import so much oil. The US should work with India and others to ensure freedom of navigation, not just sanctions.
I wish the US would be as consistent with other countries' violations as they are with Iran. But yeah, the IRGC is clearly a destabilizing force in the region. India should maintain its independent foreign policy—we can condemn terrorism without blindly following every US sanction.
More than 100 maritime vessels designated since January? That's a lot. These sanctions are hurting Iran's economy, but they also raise tensions in the Gulf. India needs to ensure our ships and trade routes are protected. The Indian Navy should step up patrols in the Arabian Sea. 🚢
While the US has a point about the IRGC's activities, I find it hypocritical that they sanction others for supporting Mahan Air while they themselves supply weapons to Israel. Everyone plays the game of geopolitics. India should focus on our national interest—Chabahar port, energy security, and our diaspora in the Gulf.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.