. United States Designates Key Iranian Shipping and Aviation Entities 12/11/2019 01:45 PM EST Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State Today, the United States is taking action against three Iranian entities linked to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and sanctioning eight other entities that helped smuggle weapons from Iran to Yemen.  The State Department is announcing the designation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), its China-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd, and the Iranian airline Mahan Air under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of WMD and their delivery systems, as well as their supporters.  The Iranian regime has continued to procure proliferation-sensitive items in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231.    These designations should serve as a warning that doing business with IRISL, E-Sail, or Mahan Air risks contributing to Iran’s proliferation-sensitive programs, including its nuclear and missile programs.  To allow exporters of humanitarian goods to Iran sufficient time to find alternate shipping methods, the designations for IRISL and E-Sail Shipping Company Ltd will have a brief wind-down period.  The designation of Mahan Air and three of its general sales agents is effective immediately.