Turkey’s already fragile relations with the United States are taking a new, dangerous turn, as Washington has dealt a heavy blow by dramatically expanding the sanctions regime against international networks that supply Iran. The new American “blacklist” of the Treasury Department, which includes a total of 36 individuals and entities, now includes three Turkish companies, a development that is causing strong tremors and acute headaches in Ankara.
The American side reveals a dark background, claiming that these companies functioned as crucial intermediate links in strengthening the Iranian military and aviation industries. At the center of the American fury is Istanbul-based Turkish S Sistem Lojistik, which is accused of coordinating suspicious shipments of drone parts and industrial equipment for Mahan Air, an Iranian airline under strict sanctions. At the same time, American authorities are targeting Sky Phoenix in Izmir for brokering the transfer of American-made aircraft to Iran through third-party routes, as well as Mes Cargo as a commercial agent for Tehran.
The blow brings Turkey face to face with its geopolitical deadlocks, as the mention of drone technology touches the most sensitive nerve in modern military conflicts. Washington is sending a blunt ultimatum, making it clear that it is closely monitoring any international chain that strengthens Iran’s military capabilities. With the companies involved and the Turkish government maintaining a deafening silence, Ankara finds itself trapped between American wrath and its dangerous balances with Iran, at a time when international pressure around aircraft equipment networks is escalating relentlessly.
