US authorities have expanded sanctions against Iran: ships and firms related to air transportation fell under restrictions

Washington on Wednesday expanded the list of sanctions imposed on Iran. Two vessels walking under the Iranian flag, several companies and an individual fell under the restrictions. This was reported on the website of the US Treasury.

As noted in a press release, a “network that is engaged in smuggling” weapons from Iran to Yemen “on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Revolution (Xirir) corps” came under restriction.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Wednesday, commenting on the introduction of sanctions, emphasized that while Iran’s “malicious behavior” will continue, Washington will continue his “campaign [to provide] maximum pressure” on Tehran. "Today I announce sanctions against three Iranian transport companies that help Iran import details for his program of weapons of mass destruction," Pompeo explained. According to him, one of the companies that fell on the list is based in Shanghai, reports TASS.

In addition, the sanctions were introduced against three Mahan Air associated with Iranian airline, which are based in Dubai (Gatewick LLC and Jahan Destination Travel and Tourism LLC), as well as in Hong Kong (Gomei Air Services Co.).

The air carrier itself has been under American sanctions since 2011 for supporting the special purpose forces of Al-KudS KSIR, but on Wednesday it was included in another sanctions list, which has those whom Washington considers to be involved in the spread of weapons of mass destruction. This list also included a number of Mahan Air aircraft, which had already been under restrictions before.

Also, a businessman Abdulhuseyn Khedri was included in the sanctions list on Wednesday, who for more than ten years organized the transportation of goods by sea in the interests of Xir. He is the beneficiary of Khedri Jahan Darya Co., which uses Genava 11 and Genava 12 vessels.

Maritime Silk Road LLC, which used Genava 12 in 2015-2017, was also affiliated with Khedri.

The property and funds of companies that have fallen under sanctions will be arrested in the United States. In addition, restrictions can be imposed on business partners of these companies.