(U.S. State Department): Iran's aviation sector helped "support the proliferation of weapons and terrorism"

Washington, Sept 8 (KUNA) -- The U.S. State Department said that the Iranian aviation sector, which was targeted by U.S. sanctions on Tuesday, helped the Tehran regime “support the proliferation of terrorism and weapons around the world.” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement that the United States continues to implement the “Economic Outlaw” operation by imposing sanctions on 36 entities and individuals across multiple jurisdictions for supporting Iran’s aviation sector.” Pigott added that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Treasury Department, acting under its authority pursuant to Executive Order 13902, which applies to the Iranian aviation sector among others, will designate and list remaining active Iranian airlines on the list, “thereby strengthening our campaign to isolate the Iranian regime from the international system and the global economy.” He clarified that “OFAC is also targeting a number of companies based in third countries that provided shipping and general sales services to Mahan Air, Iran’s largest airline, which is linked to the regime’s activities in nuclear proliferation and support for terrorism around the world.” He affirmed that his country “will not waver in its campaign to cut off the financial lifelines of the Iranian regime, including the aviation sector.” The United States had earlier announced today the imposition of sanctions on 36 entities for supporting Iran’s aviation sector, as part of the “Economic Outlaw” operation launched by Washington late last month to sever all economic lifelines to the regime in Iran. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.A.