US Slaps Sanctions on Iraq, Syrian Companies for Supplying Aircraft to Iran

The United States placed two aviation companies and a Syrian businessman on a sanctions list for their provision of aircraft and parts to an Iranian air carrier, the US Treasury announced Thursday in a statement.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Mahan Air has been on the US sanctions list since 2011 for providing financial and material support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC, as well as moving fighters, weapons and funds to Syria and Hezbollah.

“The US Department of the Treasury today announced the designation of Iraq-based Al-Naser Airlines, Syrian businessman Issam Shammout, and his UAE [United Arab Emirates]-based Sky Blue Bird Aviation for providing support to Iran's Mahan Air.”

The sanctions prohibit Mahan Air from purchasing aircraft and parts.

According the US Treasury, Al-Naser Airlines transferred nine Airbus aircraft to Mahan Air, while Shammout and his company Sky Blue Bird Aviation also help Mahan Air buy aircraft and parts.

The sanctions will deny the companies the ability to export aircraft and parts from the United States as well as to receive exports and re-exports from the United States.