Mahan Air A346 aircraft now operating flights to Far East, in defiance of U.S. sanctions

Mahan Air A346 aircraft obtained 08MAY15 with Iraqi assistance are now operating international routes to Malaysia and Thailand, in defiance of U.S. sanctions related to the airline's past IRGC-related logistical activities in support of Syrian Arab Republic, Lebanese Hezbollah, MODAFL and ICAO.

In addition to the above mentioned Far East routes, Iran has been and is currently flying regular routes with these U.S.-sanctioned aircraft to destinations in Greece, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

U.S. Treasury department on 21MAY15 stated  Mahan Air had a "blockable interest" in the planes, meaning they could be subject to an asset freeze, raising the possibility that Washington may attempt to have them seized at airports outside Iran.

Iran's aviation authority stated on 08JUN15 the country would take legal action if Washington tries to stop newly acquired Iranian passenger planes flying international routes.

Recapping regular route flight numbers and destinations for U.S.-sanctioned Mahan Air A346 EP-MMR (cn 416) and EP-MMH (cn 391), are as follows:

Flight W5118: IKA to ESB
Flight W558:  IKA to ATH
Flights W561, W563: IKA to DXB
Flight W582: IKA to KUL
Flight W551: IKA to BKK

Additionally, Mahan Air A346 EP-MMI (cn 449) on 01JUL15 made its first service flight to DXB, making three Mahan Air A346 aircraft now operating international flights in defiance of U.S. sanctions.

File photo of Mahan Air A346 EP-MMI, now joining EP-MMH and EP-MMR in operating international flights in defiance of U.S. sanctions.  [photo: Majid Tavakoli]

Recent flight data for Mahan Air A346, registration EP-MMH  [source: Flightradar24]:

Recent flight data for Mahan Air A346, registration EP-MMR  [source: Flightradar24]: