The U.S. government imposed sanctions on additional elements of Iran's aviation industry on September 8, 2026, targeting over two dozen commercial and private airlines as well as foreign cargo service providers. This action is part of the Trump administration's Operation Economic Outcast campaign, which aims to cut off financial support for the Iranian government. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that businesses engaging with the sanctioned airlines risk being excluded from the global financial system.
The U.S. accused the 36 targeted entities of aiding the Islamic Republic's use of its aviation sector for transporting weapons and illicit cargo. Foreign firms and governments that conduct business with these entities may also face sanctions, including asset freezes in U.S. jurisdictions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the U.S. sanctions, claiming they have harmed America's global standing. He remarked on social media that the U.S. has failed to achieve its goals through sanctions or military action.
The sanctions also affect Mahan Air, which has been under U.S. counterterrorism sanctions since 2019 for its connections to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The airline was first sanctioned in 2011 under the Obama administration for allegedly transporting weapons to Iranian proxies.
Additionally, the U.S. recently imposed penalties on Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi Anonim Sirketi, a Turkish bank accused of facilitating Iran's oil revenue transfers. The U.S. is also considering further actions to limit Iran's economic influence while avoiding disruptions to the global financial system.