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US Tightens Sanctions on Iran’s Aviation Sector Amid Ongoing Tensions
Confirmed
In Short: The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector, part of a broader effort to isolate the country, as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department announced 36 sanctions on commercial and private Iranian airlines as part of 'Operation Economic Outcast,' aimed at isolating Iran.
The sanctions, which target 27 Iranian airlines and companies, are part of an intensified effort by the Trump administration to apply economic pressure on Tehran, according to reports.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the move, stating in a social media post that the sanctions would amount to 'the toughest sanctions in history.
The US has also launched a naval blockade and enhanced sanctions against Iran, seeking to sever its economic lifelines, following recent military actions by both sides, including strikes on Iranian tankers and attacks on US forces in Jordan.
What's still developing
- On February 28, the US and Israel launched a war against Iran that hit its six-month mark in August.
- The United States has put forward a new package of sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector, as the administration of President Donald Trump seeks to ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran.
- The penalties expand existing sanctions on the privately owned Iranian airline Mahan Air, while targeting other Iran-based aviation companies, as well as firms that provide them with services.
- But since Trump returned to office for a second term in 2025, he has sought to heighten pressure on the Iranian government.
- The Trump administration’s push to compel the new Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to dismantle pro-Iran terrorist militias is moving forward — even with some setbacks.
- As Mideast experts are taking a wait-and-see approach tinged with mild optimism, a senior Iraqi official announced in late August that Baghdad will not treat Sept. 30 as a deadline to disarm the pro-Iran groups known as the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also called the Popular Mobilization Forces.
- Treasury said foreign companies had helped Mahan obtain aircraft and aviation services despite existing sanctions.