Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jul 31: The United States has imposed sanctions on six individuals and entities in India, China, Russia and Iran for allegedly supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its aviation network, including Mahan Air.

US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the action targeted the "Mahan Air Network", which he described as the IRGC's preferred airline for transporting weapons, military personnel and equipment across the world.

"The United States today sanctioned six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran that enable the Iranian regime's IRGC," Pigott said.

The US Treasury Department alleged that Mahan Air has assisted the IRGC-Qods Force by providing travel services linked to military training and the procurement of drone systems.

The sanctions also targeted DadeNegar Startup Studio, an alleged IRGC-affiliated front company accused of supporting military targeting activities by seeking information on the locations of US and Israeli assets in the Middle East.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said individuals and organisations providing financial or commercial support to such networks were contributing to what he called a "terrorist enterprise."

Washington urged companies and individuals engaged with Mahan Air or other sanctioned Iranian carriers to be aware of the potential legal and financial risks associated with continuing such dealings.

The latest sanctions are part of the US government's broader efforts to restrict the international operations and funding channels of Iran-linked organisations.