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Iran Air's Risky Flights Defy US Sanctions
5 Oct
Summary
- Mahan Air's aging Boeing 777 operates risky flights despite US sanctions.
- Several countries still allow Iranian flights, citing potential energy supplies.
- US threatens financial exclusion for entities engaging with sanctioned airlines.
The Trump administration's campaign to isolate Iran has targeted its civil aviation sector, but Mahan Air's aging Boeing 777 continues to fly risky routes. This 23-year-old jetliner, operating between Tehran and Southeast Asia, exemplifies the challenges of enforcing sanctions.
Despite warnings and sanctions since 2011, Mahan Air, known for transporting weapons and personnel for Iran's regime, persists. The US Treasury has sanctioned specific aircraft, like EP-MTE, for alleged drone transport. The US threatens to cut off global financial access for any entity doing business with sanctioned Iranian airlines.
However, countries like Vietnam, China, and Russia continue to host Iranian flights, possibly anticipating future energy supplies or employing superpower hedging strategies. This offers a degree of Iranian resilience against American pressure, suggesting sanctions may have limited reach.
Concerns about mechanical safety are high due to Iran's aging fleet and difficulty obtaining parts. These aircraft often operate beyond recommended lifespans, a situation described as 'disasters waiting to happen.' The exact responsibility for potential crashes remains a complex question.
