The United States imposed sanctions on six individuals and entities in China, India, Russia, and Iran for their roles in supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its transport network, Mahan Air.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the United States sanctioned these parties because they enable the Iranian regime’s IRGC. The action marked the second day that Washington targeted mainland China- or Hong Kong-linked businesses accused of supporting Tehran, broadening its latest pressure campaign from Iranian oil.
Mahan Air’s role
Pigott identified Mahan Air as the IRGC's 'airline of choice' for transporting weapons, military personnel and equipment worldwide. The Treasury Department accused the carrier of facilitating military training and procuring drone systems by providing travel services for the IRGC‑Qods Force.
Pigott called on the international community to recognize the serious risks raised by continuing engagement with Mahan Air or any other sanctioned Iranian carrier.
Targeted entities
The US sanctioned two China-based companies and a Chinese executive on Thursday over their alleged support for Iran’s Mahan Air. The Treasury Department said Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co served as a general sales agent for Mahan Air and had coordinated the transportation of electronics from China to Iran.
Treasury sanctioned Tang Xin, managing director of Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co, who was accused of coordinating travel for Mahan Air. Tang Xin is also the executive director and 50% owner of Shanghai Elite International Travel Co, which represents Mahan Air in China.
The US agencies also sanctioned DadeNegar Startup Studio, an IRGC-affiliated front company accused of supporting military targeting by soliciting the locations of American and Israeli assets in the Middle East.
Sanctions impact
The sanctions freeze any assets the designated parties hold in the United States or under US control and generally bar Americans from doing business with them. Foreign financial institutions that knowingly facilitate significant transactions on behalf of the designated parties could face secondary sanctions.