Treasury removes restrictions on three airlines and two aircraft amid evolving Iran policy
WASHINGTON: The United States has lifted counterterrorism sanctions on three airlines and two aircraft previously linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to updated information published on the US Treasury Department’s website on Wednesday. The move marks a notable shift in Washington’s sanctions policy, although officials have not publicly explained the decision.
The Treasury’s updated sanctions list confirmed the removal of the restrictions but did not specify the reasons behind the action or whether it forms part of a broader diplomatic or strategic initiative involving Iran. The affected entities had previously faced sanctions over alleged ties to the IRGC, which the United States continues to designate as a terrorist organization.
Treasury updates sanctions list
According to the Treasury Department’s website, the sanctions were removed from two aircraft and three airlines that had been designated under US counterterrorism authorities. However, the department did not issue an accompanying statement outlining the legal or policy basis for the decision.
The development comes shortly after Washington imposed sanctions on networks accused of supporting Iran’s aviation and military procurement activities, underscoring that the United States continues to target entities it believes facilitate the IRGC’s operations.
Broader policy remains unchanged
Although the sanctions relief affects the listed aviation entities, the United States has not announced any change to its broader policy toward the IRGC or Iran. US authorities continue to maintain extensive sanctions targeting the IRGC, its affiliates and networks involved in military, financial and logistical activities.
Analysts are expected to closely monitor whether the latest action signals a limited administrative adjustment or forms part of wider diplomatic efforts concerning US-Iran relations. For now, officials have provided no additional details beyond the Treasury’s published update.
BREAKING | The US has lifted counterterrorism sanctions on two aircraft and three airlines it says are linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to information published on the US Treasury Department’s website on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/qoHUbKr8Gl
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) August 5, 2026
OFAC has removed several Iran-linked designations and sanctions from the SDN List today.
🚨🇺🇸 Specifically delisted:
• Fly Baghdad Airlines (a.k.a. Fly Baghdad / Iraq Express)
• Two related aircraft (YI-BAF and YI-BAN)
These were previously designated under counter-terrorism…— C14 News | EN (@c14english) August 5, 2026
