US says Iran sanctions working, as Turkey, Oman suspend Mahan Air flights

The U.S. Treasury Department announced that its “Operation Economic Outcast,” designed to restrict Iran’s revenue, is proving effective. This follows Turkey and Oman’s decisions to suspend flights by Mahan Air, an airline sanctioned by the U.S. since 2011 for its support of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a U.S.-designated terror organization. A U.S. Treasury Department spokesman stated, “we will continue to work together with partners to keep the Iranian regime from using any remaining economic lifelines to support its destabilizing and terroristic agenda.” Mahan Air confirmed the cancellations, attributing them to directives from Omani and Turkish aviation authorities. Georgia also plans to suspend Mahan Air flights. The U.S. efforts target “third-country firms” facilitating Mahan’s activities, increasing risks for countries doing business with the airline. Iran’s economy is struggling under sanctions, with oil exports decreasing, the rial at a record low, and projected economic contraction.