Germany bans Iranian airline as alleged spy caught in military
An Iranian airline has been banned from operating in Germany as a suspected spy was caught by authorities in the German military.
A statement by the German foreign ministry said Mahan Air flights to the country could “impact the security situation in Germany”, adding that the airline could be used to support Iran which is “frequently involved in acts of state terrorism”.
According to reports, the alleged spy was acting as German military translator.
The ministry’s spokesperson added that the airline had transported Iranian forces and equipment to conflict zones, including Syria, where Iran backs Bashar al-Assad.
In 2011, US described Mahan Air as a “material supporter of terrorism” due to its links to the Quds force, the international arm of the revolutionary guards.