TEHRAN -- Iran says it will take legal action against the U.S. if Washington tries to block new Iranian passenger aircraft on international journeys.

The U.S.government has declared that the assets of Mahan Air which flew the nine used Airbus jets to Iran last month are “blockable”, raising fears of having them seized at international airports.

Head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) Alireza Jahangirian said the U.S. Treasury Department’s statement contravenes international conventions on civil aviation, Press TV reporter Tuesday.

The official said the first of the eight A340s and one A321 will become operational in the country’s aviation fleet in the coming weeks after receiving flight permit.

SP/P