What Happened
Washington Extends Economic Pressure To Iranian Skies
The US Department of the Treasury has sanctioned all 27 remaining active Iranian airlines, along with third-country firms servicing Mahan Air, in an effort to extend economic pressure to the Iranian aviation sector. The move is part of a broader strategy to restrict Iran’s ability to use its aviation sector for military purposes, including the transportation of personnel and equipment. The sanctions also suspend General License J-1, which allowed foreign airlines to fly US-made aircraft into Iran without case-by-case approval. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies reports that Iranian airlines have been used to transport military equipment and personnel, and that the country’s aviation sector is closely tied to its military activities. This development was first reported by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.