U.S. Reps. Peter Roskam (R-IL), Bob Dold (R-IL) and Randy Hultgren (R-IL) called on Boeing on Tuesday to not assist in Iran’s procurement of airplanes, parts or services.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (PCPOA) removed sanctions imposed on Iran because of its nuclear program, but it left in place most sanctions related to human rights abuses, ballistic missile programs and support of terrorism. One exception was commercial aircraft sales to Tehran.
In a letter to Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg, Roskam, Hultgren and Dold wrote that they “urge Boeing — in the strongest possible terms — not to do business with Iran” until the country ends its support of terrorism.
“The greatest beneficiaries of any potential aircraft sale to Iran would be the Islamic Republic’s despotic leaders,” the lawmakers wrote. “The regime holds a majority ownership stake in Iran Air, the country’s flag carrier, with whom Boeing is widely reported to have begun negotiations. Iran Air was sanctioned by the Treasury Department for using its planes to ferry troops, weapons, and cash on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).”
The lawmakers cited a Department of Treasury report that found that rockets or missiles have been transported via Iran Air passenger aircraft, and that IRGC officers sometimes take control of Iran Air flights carrying IRGC cargo.
“Iran Air was only recently delisted by Treasury in what was largely viewed as a concession related to the JCPOA,” the lawmakers wrote. “The airline is still owned and operated by a regime whose leaders have only grown bolder and brasher since the deal’s implementation. There is every reason to believe Iran Air will continue to provide logistical support for terrorism and illicit activity around the world. We urge you not to be complicit in the likely conversion of Boeing aircraft to IRGC warplanes.”
The lawmakers said that they were confident that Boeing was in compliance with the law, but they added, “This is not about doing what is legal — it’s about doing what is right.”