The Trump administration on Tuesday unleashed a sweeping new sanctions package against Iran’s commercial aviation sector, targeting 36 entities as part of its “Operation Economic Outcast” campaign to intensify economic pressure on Tehran.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated 27 active Iranian commercial airlines, including Iran Air Tour, Iran Aseman Airlines, Kish Airlines, Qeshm Air and Zagros Airlines. The action targets carriers and aviation networks accused of supporting sanctions evasion and helping Iran obtain aircraft and other aviation-related equipment.

Treasury also suspended several longstanding aviation authorizations involving Iran, including provisions that had permitted certain overflights and allowed non-U.S. airlines to operate U.S.-origin or U.S.-controlled aircraft into the country. The move further restricts Iran’s access to aircraft and aviation services with connections to the United States.

The sanctions extend well beyond Iran. Treasury targeted companies and individuals in the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Kazakhstan accused of providing support to Mahan Air and helping Tehran circumvent existing U.S. restrictions.

Among the networks targeted are entities accused of facilitating the transfer of at least three Boeing 777 aircraft to Mahan Air through the UAE and Oman during the summer of 2026. Others allegedly handled cargo for the Iranian carrier that included UAV components, industrial equipment and U.S.-origin aircraft parts.

The action represents another major step in the Trump administration’s expanding economic campaign against Tehran, with Washington increasingly targeting not only Iranian entities themselves but the foreign networks accused of keeping them supplied and connected to international markets.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)