U.S. Sanctions Iranian Maritime and Aviation Networks Supporting IRGC

The United States Department of the Treasury launched a series of sanctions between July 29 and July 30, 2026, targeting Iranian maritime and aviation networks used to fund and support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

On July 29, the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned two insurance entities—the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority—along with eight tankers and 10 companies. U.S. officials allege these entities forced vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to purchase regime-backed insurance to protect against Iranian vessel seizures, generating revenue for the IRGC. The sanctions targeted tankers transporting crude oil to China and the United Arab Emirates as part of a broader effort to disrupt Iran's shadow fleet.

On July 30, the U.S. expanded these measures to target six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran that support Mahan Air. The U.S. identifies Mahan Air as a primary carrier for transporting IRGC weapons, drones, and personnel. Sanctioned firms include Skiez Travels and Logistics Private Limited in India, Air Cargo Pro Limited in Russia, and Shanghai Wings International Logistics Co and Shanghai Elite International Travel Co in China. The Treasury also designated DadeNegar Startup Studio, an IRGC front company used to gather intelligence on American and Israeli equipment in the Middle East.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that those providing commercial or financial support to these channels are helping sustain a "terrorist enterprise." These actions coincide with a drone strike on gas vessels in Damietta, Egypt, and a near-complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, signaling escalating hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.