US Treasury chief warns Iranian airlines face global shutdown

Operations of all Iranian commercial airlines will be halted globally from September 23, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, as Washington steps up pressure on Tehran through secondary sanctions.

“On September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent said, outlining measures aimed at restricting Iran’s international civil aviation network.

Bessent noted that foreign airports and service providers that continue working with Iranian carriers could face sanctions and lose access to the US dollar financial system. He warned that companies could be penalized for providing fuel, landing services or selling tickets for Iranian airlines.

Iranian officials had not immediately issued a public response to the planned restrictions.

The measures come as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran amid the ongoing Iran conflict. The United States has sought to use secondary sanctions to discourage foreign companies and financial institutions from maintaining commercial ties with Iran.

Bessent said the administration was also engaging with foreign governments over compliance with the sanctions regime, including discussions with Chinese financial authorities.

The planned restrictions could significantly affect Iranian carriers’ ability to operate international routes if foreign airports and aviation service providers comply with the US measures.

By Vafa Guliyeva