Kathmandu. The US has imposed new sanctions on multinational networks in India, China, Russia and Iran. They are accused of helping Iran’s Mahan Air and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) evade sanctions.
The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), target 6 entities and individuals accused of providing logistics, commercial, and financial support to banned Iranian airlines. According to reports, India’s Skiz Travels and Logistics has been barred from working as a commercial and customer support partner for Mahan Air.
The US action includes companies from India, China, Russia and Iran. China’s Shanghai Wings International Logistics and Shanghai Elite International Travel, Russia’s Air Carlo Pro and India’s Skiz Travels have been targeted.
U.S. officials have long accused Mahan Air of acting as a transport network for IRGC-Quds Force. They allege that it was used to transport weapons, troops and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Iran has previously denied the allegations. The sanctions package also targets an Iranian-front company called Dodnegar Startup Studio. It is accused of gathering information about US and Israeli bases in the Middle East and assisting in military activities.
US Treasurer Scott Besant said in a statement, “Those providing financial services, logistics, or commercial support to the IRGC or Mahan Air are helping to sustain the terrorist organization.” They will continue to be identified, exposed, and isolated from the U.S. financial system. —Agency
