The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on key assets and individuals associated with Mahan Air, a major Iranian airline, amid ongoing concerns over its activities linked to Iran's proliferation of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and support for sanctioned entities. OFAC designated two Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, MSN 28527 (EP-MTB) and MSN 33369 (EP-MTE), which were delivered to Iran under controversial circumstances in mid-2025 and started flying for Mahan Air in early 2026. These aircraft are involved in efforts tied to proliferation activities, with one having recently returned from Guangzhou to Tehran, signaling active operational status.
In addition to these aircraft, OFAC also targeted Mahan Air's controlling shareholder, Sepehr Kaveh Kish International Trading Company, along with two of its board members, for their roles in aiding Iran’s efforts to evade international sanctions. The designation includes individuals managing passenger and cargo services, emphasizing the US’s focus on preventing Iran’s use of commercial aviation for proliferation and support of militias tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF). Several related business entities, including Dubai-based Chabok FZCO and Mahan’s subsidiary Saman Air Services, were also sanctioned for facilitating shipments to other sanctioned airlines like Conviasa.
These actions align with broader US efforts to pressure Iran’s aviation sector and cut off support routes that could bolster regional militias or advance Iran’s UAV proliferation programs. Mahan Air, which has faced US sanctions since 2011, continues to operate a sizable fleet of 43 aircraft, with 34 destinations and 35 routes, highlighting its importance within Iran’s commercial aviation system. The sanctions aim to restrict the airline’s ability to maintain its fleet and logistical operations linked to its controversial activities.
The US government’s measures reflect ongoing concerns over Iran’s use of civil aviation infrastructure for nefarious purposes, and signals continued scrutiny of airlines and associated entities involved in proliferation activities. The designation of specific aircraft and personnel underscores the US commitment to enforce restrictions and limit Iran’s ability to utilize its aviation sector for illicit objectives.
