US seizes Iranian-linked Boeing 747 bound for Venezuela

WEB DESK: In a recent development, the United States has taken custody of a Boeing 747 cargo plane that was sold by Iran to a Venezuelan state airline.

The US Department of Justice announced the seizure on Monday, revealing that the aircraft, grounded by Argentina 18 months ago, was in violation of Washington’s sanctions on Tehran.

According to the US, the sale of the plane to Venezuela by Iran’s Mahan Air breached sanctions imposed due to the airline’s connection with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The US has long considered the IRGC a “foreign terrorist organisation.”

Mahan Air, known for transporting weapons and fighters for the IRGC and Hezbollah, allegedly violated export restrictions by selling the aeroplane to Venezuela’s Emtrasur.

Assistant Secretary of Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod stated that the aircraft is now the property of the United States government.

Iran swiftly condemned the move, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nasser Kanaani calling it “illegal” and asserting that it violated the United Nations Charter.

Iran pledged support to Venezuela in reclaiming Boeing, expressing decisive backing for Venezuela’s legal and diplomatic efforts.

Venezuela’s government labelled the transfer a “shameful, rapacious operation” and vowed to take actions to restore justice and return the aircraft to its legitimate owner.

The administration of Nicolas Maduro criticised Argentina for allegedly colluding with the US and violating international aeronautics regulations.

The US Justice Department cited court documents revealing the registered captain’s ties to the IRGC and Fars Air Qeshm, who claimed to be affiliated with the IRGC’s Quds Force.

The US-built plane is scheduled to be disposed of upon arrival in Florida, according to the Justice Department, without providing further details.

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