The measures announced Tuesday also target 35 companies and one individual, with foreign intermediaries linked to Iranian airlines in Türkiye, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates among those affected, according to the US Treasury Department.
The breadth of the sanctions means their impact could extend beyond airlines to companies involved in financing, servicing and the international operation of Iran’s air transport sector.
A US Treasury official, speaking anonymously about the new sanctions, was quoted by Al-Monitor as saying, “In fact, we are taking the entire aviation sector of the Iranian economy out of the market.”
The Treasury has also revoked three general licenses that had permitted certain transactions involving transit through Iranian airspace and non-US airlines operating US-made aircraft to Iran.
The change could affect not only Iranian carriers but also foreign airlines whose operations involve Iranian airspace or flights to the country.
Mahan Air, one of Iran’s largest carriers, has already faced extensive US restrictions, while Washington has previously targeted companies and intermediaries accused of supporting its international operations.
The latest measure comes after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week that Washington was considering further sanctions targeting Iran’s airlines and aircraft-leasing companies as part of its broader economic pressure campaign.
The sanctions are part of the so-called "Operation Economic Outcast" launched by Washington against Tehran after the administration of Donald Trump failed to achieve war objectives against Iran. Iranian officials have slammed the measures as "economic terrorism", urging other states not to join the illegal move.
Meanwhile, the consequences of the new sanctions are not limited to air travel.
Iran has been under an extensive US sanctions regime for years, with Iranian officials and critics of the policy arguing that its effects are ultimately felt by ordinary households through economic instability, restricted trade and difficulties accessing imported goods.
The wider sanctions regime has contributed to pressure on Iran’s currency, inflation and household livelihoods. Iranian officials have repeatedly noted that restrictions on banking and international trade make it harder to obtain medicine, medical equipment and other essential goods, while limiting access to foreign markets and financial services.
Iranian officials have increasingly described the sanctions as a form of pressure aimed not only at the government but also at the country's broader economy and ordinary Iranians.
Meanwhile, Britain has introduced new restrictions as part of a broader package of measures targeting Iran, including a ban on Iranian aircraft landing in the country unless they receive a specific exemption.
The new British measures also include financial, trade and shipping restrictions, further tightening pressure on Iran’s economy and international transport links.
Press TV