OFAC targets international networks supporting Mahan Air by adding Iran-based airlines and executives to the sanctions list
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the US Department of the Treasury has expanded sanctions on the Iranian aviation sector, targeting Yazd Airways, its executives, and foreign companies linked to Mahan Air. According to the sanctions update dated 20 November, the Washington administration announced that these entities were listed on the grounds of providing aircraft procurement and operational support to Mahan Air.
Yazd Airways and Its Management Added to the Sanctions List
In its statement, OFAC claimed that Yazd Airways assisted Mahan Air in transporting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Quds Force (IRGC-QF) personnel to Syria during the early stages of the Syrian civil war. These operations were allegedly aimed at supporting Hezbollah and the Syrian regime.
Two senior executives of the airline were also added to the list as part of the sanctions:
- Reza Heidari – General Manager
- Reza Namakshenas – Deputy Director
It was reported that Yazd Airways currently operates only one ARJ85 (EP-DZH) aircraft and that the airline’s flight operations were halted for approximately two weeks due to Mahan Air’s withdrawal of maintenance support.
Comprehensive Sanctions on Mahan Air
The US expanded the sanctions framework on Mahan Air by adding two more officials alleged to be involved in operations:
- Mohammad Mahdi Maghfoori – Flight Operations Director
- Mohammad Reza Moaref Jahromi – Captain
OFAC also included seven aircraft operated by Mahan Air in the sanctions scope:
- ARJ85 EP-MEB
- Fokker 50 EP-MEH
- Airbus A340-200 EP-MJA
- Airbus A340-300 EP-MJE, EP-MJF, EP-MJG
- Airbus A340-600 EP-MMU
Gambia-Based Macka Invest Also Targeted
Another component of the US sanctions was Macka Invest Company Limited, allegedly involved in supplying aircraft to Iran. The Gambia-based company was said to have facilitated the transfer of two Airbus A340-600 aircraft on the Siauliai–Iran route in 2024, with the aircraft receiving C5 registration prior to the transfer.
One of these aircraft was later recorded as the A340-600 that joined the Iranian fleet under the EP-MMU registration.
