Pompeo calls for countries to close airspace to Mahan Air flights to Venezuela

On Wednesday, May 1, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on countries around the world to close their airspace to Mahan Air flights.

Mike Pompeo has said that Mahan Air has transported "unknown" cargo to Venezuela to support the government.

Reuters says that the United States has imposed sanctions on Tehran to counter Iran's expanding influence in the Middle East, and at the same time has imposed sanctions on Venezuela to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Speaking at a press conference at the US State Department, Mike Pompeo stated that Mahan Air has transported unknown cargo to Venezuela in recent days.

The US Secretary of State said: "In recent days, several Mahan Air planes have been transporting unspecified cargo in support of the Maduro government. This is the same terrorist airline that Iran uses to transport troops and weapons."

Mike Pompeo has stated: These flights must be stopped and countries should not allow Mahan aircraft to pass through their airspace, just as many countries have revoked landing permits for this airline.

Over the past year, the Donald Trump administration has put "maximum pressure" on the government of Nicolas Maduro to step down in favor of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The United States and European countries say that Nicolas Maduro remained in power in 2018 by preventing his opponents from participating in the electoral process. Juan Guaido is recognized as the legitimate president of Venezuela by the United States and more than 50 other countries.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported last week that as US pressure increased on the government of Nicolas Maduro, he asked Iran for help in producing gasoline, and Tehran sent refining materials to the country.

The news agency, citing its sources, wrote that Mr. Maduro has turned to Iran to prevent gasoline shortages in this oil-rich South American country.

According to this report, on Thursday, May 24, the second Mahan Airlines plane brought chemicals needed for gasoline production to Venezuela.

This news comes after drivers in Venezuela formed long lines in front of gas stations to get gasoline.

Meanwhile, travel restrictions have been imposed in Venezuela due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Mahan Air was founded in Kerman in 1992 and is considered the first private airline in Iran. The United States has placed Mahan Air on its sanctions list since 2011 due to its “connections with the IRGC’s Quds Force” and “transfer of troops and weapons.”

Officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have previously denied accusations of transporting weapons to the Syrian government and Lebanese Hezbollah on passenger planes.

Source: Radio Farda