On July 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced the designation of six entities and individuals across China, India, Russia, and Iran for their roles in supporting Iran’s Mahan Air and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”). According to OFAC, Mahan Air has played a central role in enabling the IRGC while presenting itself as a civilian carrier. Mahan Air has reportedly provided travel services for IRGC-Qods Force personnel, facilitated the group’s military training, and supported the transport of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and weapons procured by Iran. Mahan Air has been designated in the United States since 2011 for supporting the IRGC Qods Force (“IRGC-QF”), an organization designated by OFAC in 2007 for providing material support to multiple terrorist organizations. The Department of State also designated the IRGC in 2017 for supporting the IRGC-QF.
OFAC specifically targeted several general sales agents that have facilitated Mahan Air’s global operations, including China-based Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co and its managing director Tang Xin, China-based Shanghai Elite International Travel Co, India-based Skiez Travels and Logistics Private Limited, and Russia-based Air Cargo Pro Limited. OFAC also designated DadeNegar Startup Studio, an IRGC-affiliated front company that allegedly supported the Iranian military by soliciting the locations of American and Israeli equipment and receiving strike requests for U.S. targets in the Middle East.
These designations were imposed pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, to freeze all U.S.-based property and interests of the designated parties and broadly prohibit U.S. persons from conducting transactions with them.
U.S. Department of Treasury Press Release