US sanctions 36 companies in Iranian aviation sector over weapons transfers

The US Treasury Department announced on Tuesday that it was initiating sanctions against 6 companies in the Iranian aviation sector. The targeted companies are accused of using their civilian aviation operations to move weapons, personnel, and illicit cargo for the Iranian regime. Some of the companies are also accused of being covert fronts for other sanctioned entities. The companies are located across the Middle East with a significant number based in the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey. The US is also blocking non-US airlines from flying US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft into Iran. 'Under Operation Economic Outcast, we promised severe consequences for those providing financial lifelines to the Iranian regime,' said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. Operation Economic Outcast aims to sever the economic lifelines of the regime and the IRGC by cutting off every source of financing, including the aviation sector, that supports them.