The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on six entities and individuals, including India-based Skiez Travels and Logistics Private Limited, over allegations that they provided commercial and logistical support to **Mahan Air>, an Iranian airline long sanctioned by Washington.

According to the Treasury Department, the measures target companies operating as general sales agents for Mahan Air, which the United States alleges has assisted the **Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps> (IRGC) and its overseas Quds Force.

The sanctions reflect the US government's position and allegations. The announcement does not establish criminal liability, and the entities named have not been found liable in a court through this announcement alone.

Why the US Imposed the Sanctions

In a statement, Scott Bessent said individuals or companies that provide financial, logistical or commercial services to Mahan Air or the IRGC help sustain what the US describes as a terrorist network.

The Treasury Department alleges that although Mahan Air operates as a civilian airline, it has also been used to:

• Transport IRGC-Quds Force personnel.
• Facilitate military-related logistics.
• Move unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and other military equipment.

Iran has previously rejected similar US allegations against its institutions and entities.

Skiez Travels Named in the Sanctions

The Treasury identified Skiez Travels and Logistics Private Limited, which operates from Srinagar and New Delhi, among the sanctioned entities.

According to information available on the company's website, Skiez Travels has represented Mahan Air as its general sales agent in India since 2020.

The US Treasury did not accuse the company of direct involvement in military activities but alleged that its commercial relationship with Mahan Air formed part of the airline's international support network.

Skiez Travels has not publicly responded to the latest sanctions announcement at the time of publication.

Other Entities and Individuals Sanctioned

Alongside Skiez Travels, the Treasury Department also announced sanctions against:

• Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co. (China)
• Air Cargo Pro Limited (Russia)
• Shanghai Elite International Travel Co. (China)
• Tang Xin
• DadeNegar Startup Studio, which US authorities allege is affiliated with the IRGC.

The Treasury alleges that these entities and individuals supported Mahan Air's international operations or assisted activities linked to the IRGC.

What the Sanctions Mean

US sanctions generally involve:

• Blocking any assets subject to US jurisdiction.
• Restricting access to the US financial system.
• Prohibiting US individuals and businesses from engaging in transactions with sanctioned entities unless authorized.

The practical impact on companies outside the United States depends on their international financial and commercial exposure.

Why This Matters

The sanctions underscore Washington's continued efforts to disrupt networks it alleges support Iran's military and logistics infrastructure. The inclusion of an India-based company highlights the global reach of US sanctions policy and could have implications for businesses engaged with entities already designated by the US government. As with all sanctions announcements, the allegations represent the position of US authorities and may be disputed by the affected parties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did the US sanction Skiez Travels?

The US alleges that Skiez Travels acted as a general sales agent for Mahan Air, an airline Washington accuses of supporting the IRGC.

What is Mahan Air?

Mahan Air is an Iranian airline that has been under US sanctions for years over allegations that it assists Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has rejected such allegations.

What is the IRGC?

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of Iran's armed forces that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. Iran disputes that designation.

Does the sanction mean Skiez Travels has been convicted of wrongdoing?

No. The sanctions reflect actions taken by the US government under its sanctions regime and do not by themselves constitute a criminal conviction.

What restrictions do US sanctions impose?

Sanctions typically block access to US-based assets and prohibit US persons and businesses from conducting transactions with the sanctioned entities without authorization.