WANA (Sep 22) – Seyed Hamidreza Sanaei, Deputy for Aviation and International Affairs at Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, stated that the reimposition of sanctions under the so-called “snapback mechanism” does not create a significant change for Iran’s aviation industry, since restrictions had already been tightly enforced.

 

According to Sanaei, Iran’s aviation sector has been under sanctions pressure for years, and the activation of the snapback mechanism has not fundamentally altered the situation. He noted that foreign restrictions were already in place, and access to aircraft parts has long been a difficult process.

 

Sanaei explained that during Iran’s 14th administration, around 22 to 23 aircraft have been added to the country’s fleet—a figure that marks an improvement compared to previous years. However, he emphasized that some aircraft have also been phased out due to aging or operational problems, a reality that should not be overlooked.

 

Referring to a shift in U.S. policy regarding sanctions evasion, Sanaei pointed out that whereas enforcement previously relied on documentation, it now operates on “behavioral analysis.” This, he argued, has placed additional pressure on Iranian airlines, since routes may be blocked even without formal legal justification if patterns resembling past methods are detected.

 

Globally, the aviation industry generates an estimated $3.5 trillion in revenue, accounting for roughly 4.1% of the world’s GDP. The sector plays a critical role in connecting people, businesses, and cultures, linking them to international markets. Its substantial contribution to the global economy extends beyond airlines to include airports, aircraft manufacturing, tourism, and logistics.

Diplomacy Against the Snapback Mechanism . JCPOA

Diplomacy Against the Snapback Mechanism . JCPOA