US Treasury sanctions networks supporting Iran’s Mahan Air, IRGC from India, China, Russia

The US Treasury imposed sanctions on six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran for supporting Iran's Mahan Air and the IRGC. The sanctions target an IRGC-affiliated front company that collected intelligence on US and Israeli equipment locations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that supporters of the IRGC or Mahan Air are sustaining a terrorist enterprise. Over 100 vessels have been sanctioned since January, including those involved in an IRGC-backed extortion scheme forcing ships to purchase mandatory insurance to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Treasury Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran accused of supporting Iran's Mahan Air, which Washington says has long facilitated the movement of IRGC-Quds Force personnel, weapons, and military equipment. The sanctions also target an IRGC-affiliated front company that, according to the Treasury, collected information on the locations of US and Israeli equipment and supported Iranian military targeting during the ongoing conflict. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said those providing financial, logistical, or commercial support to the IRGC or Mahan Air are “helping sustain a terrorist enterprise,” pledging to continue increasing economic pressure on Tehran. A similar set of sanctions was imposed on Wednesday against the Iranian regime, with the US Treasury targeting eight tankers and 10 entities, six of which were based in China. Over 100 ships have been sanctioned by OFAC since January. According to the Treasury, several of the entities are involved in an IRGC-backed extortion scheme forcing ships to purchase mandatory maritime “insurance” to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The scheme, identified as the "Hormuz Safe" program, was established by Iran’s primary insurance regulator, covering risks largely imposed by the Islamic Republic itself, with funds intended to finance the regime's activities.