US Sanctions 27 Iranian Airlines and Targets Mahan Air's Boeing Acquisitions

The US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on 36 targets in Iran's aviation sector, including 27 Iranian airlines. This move is part of a new determination announced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on August 24, 2026. The sanctioned airlines include major players such as Iran Aseman Airlines and Qeshm Air.

One of the notable cases is Mahan Air, which has been found to have acquired at least three Boeing 777s through third countries during the summer of 2026. According to OFAC, these aircraft were diverted through the United Arab Emirates and Oman, with temporary registrations held by Sharjah-based ECT Aviation Support.

Both ECT Aviation Support and its Egyptian owner, Ibrahim Ali Mohamed Mohamed Mahran, have been sanctioned for their role in the transfers. Additionally, four cargo handlers and general sales agents have been designated for servicing Mahan Air's international flights.