The United States has dramatically widened its sanctions campaign against Iran’s aviation sector, targeting dozens of airlines and companies accused of supporting Tehran’s aircraft and logistics networks.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 36 entities, including 27 Iranian airlines, along with companies operating in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia and Kazakhstan.

The latest measures extend beyond airlines themselves, with Washington also targeting foreign businesses accused of providing logistical and commercial support to Iranian carriers. Some of the companies are alleged to have helped Iranian airlines obtain aircraft, spare parts and other aviation equipment despite existing U.S. restrictions.

Among the companies attracting attention is Mahan Air, an Iranian carrier that has been under U.S. sanctions for years. American authorities have accused the airline of supporting activities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, allegations that have been rejected by the airline.

The new restrictions could further complicate an aviation industry that has already struggled with years of international sanctions. Iran's airlines have faced difficulties obtaining aircraft, replacement parts and specialised maintenance services from international suppliers.

Aviation depends heavily on reliable access to spare parts and technical services. Restrictions on those supplies can increase operating costs, make fleet maintenance more challenging and potentially affect the availability of flights.

For Iranian airlines, the latest sanctions could therefore create additional pressure at a time when the country's aviation sector is already operating under significant constraints.

The measures are also likely to concern companies outside Iran. Businesses accused of helping sanctioned Iranian airlines can themselves become targets of U.S. restrictions, creating financial and legal risks for international firms that continue such relationships.

Washington's approach reflects a broader effort to restrict the networks it believes help Tehran maintain its economic and strategic capabilities. In recent years, the United States has used sanctions against individuals, companies and organisations connected to Iran's financial, energy, transportation and military-related activities.

Iran, however, has spent years adapting to sanctions by developing alternative supply chains and relying on intermediaries and non-Western markets. This means the latest measures may increase the cost and complexity of doing business without necessarily bringing the country's aviation sector to a halt.

The impact will likely depend on how effectively the United States can disrupt the international networks that Iranian airlines rely on and whether companies in third countries are willing to continue doing business with them despite the increased risk.

For passengers and the wider aviation industry, the consequences could emerge gradually through higher operating costs, difficulties securing aircraft components and potentially reduced access to international aviation services.

The latest sanctions underline Washington's continued determination to put economic pressure on Tehran and demonstrate that companies outside Iran can also face consequences when they are accused of supporting sanctioned Iranian entities.

For Iran's already constrained aviation industry, the new measures could mean another difficult period as airlines attempt to keep their fleets operating while navigating an increasingly complicated international sanctions environment.