U.S. blacklists entire Iranian aviation sector

The United States government announced on September 8, 2026, that it has blacklisted the entire Iranian aviation sector. This decision, led by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, mandates economic sanctions against any organization that collaborates with Iranian airlines. While major carriers like Mahan Air and Iran Air were already under sanctions, the new measure adds 27 additional local and regional airlines to the blacklist.

The U.S. administration justifies these sanctions by accusing Iranian authorities of utilizing the civil aviation sector to transport weapons, personnel, and illicit goods. Furthermore, the government has suspended previous exemptions, including those that allowed non-U.S. companies to operate American-made aircraft within Iran. The current wave of sanctions also targets two specific companies, with reports indicating one is based in the United Arab Emirates. This action marks a significant escalation in Washington's economic efforts against Tehran, threatening entities globally that engage in business with Iran's aviation industry.