US/Iran: US targets airlines in latest Iran sanctions move

The US Thursday imposed sanctions on several Iranian and Turkish companies and a number of aircraft in a move targeting four Iranian airlines. The companies targeted were linked to Mahan Air and Meraj Air, the US Treasury Department said. It also said it was targeting a number of their aircraft, as well as aircraft from Caspian Airlines and Pouya Air. The US said the airlines had ferried weapons, fighters and money to proxies in Syria and Lebanon. Washington also threatened sanctions against those granting landing rights and providing services to the aircraft. "The deceptive practices these airlines employ to illegally obtain services and U.S. goods is yet another example of the duplicitous ways in which the Iranian regime has operated," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. The airlines were not immediately available for comment. Washington also targeted three individuals, one from Turkey and two from Iran, who it said were linked to the airlines and aviation firms.<br/>