US Sanctions To Cripple Iranian Airlines Globally By September 23 — Bessent
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could face severe operational difficulties worldwide from September 23 as the Donald Trump administration intensifies economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions.
Bessent disclosed this in an interview with CNBC on Monday, stating that airlines operating from Iran would struggle to access essential aviation services, including fuel, landing facilities and ticket sales, under the latest American sanctions.
“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent said, explaining that countries and companies providing services to the carriers could face exclusion from the US dollar financial system.
“If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” he added.
The warning comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the US government stepping up efforts to restrict Iran’s access to international financial and aviation networks.
Earlier this month, the United States announced sanctions targeting all remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously been subjected to such measures.
The Treasury Department also sanctioned organisations, including entities outside Iran, accused of supporting Iran’s aviation industry.
The latest development has already affected Iranian air services in neighbouring countries. Two Iraqi sources told AFP on Monday that Baghdad would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines following the US Treasury announcement.
In Georgia, authorities reportedly barred Iranian carriers from operating in the country, while Iranian airline Mahan Air announced the suspension of its services to Turkey at the request of the Turkish government.
Iran’s aviation industry has faced prolonged challenges as a result of international sanctions, which have limited the country’s ability to acquire aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services.
The country’s airspace was completely closed following US-Israeli attacks in late February, according to the report. Although some air travel has since resumed, services have largely been restricted to flights operated by Iranian carriers.
The sanctions threat comes as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to affect regional security and international trade. Iran’s reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy shipments, has contributed to disruptions in energy markets and a rise in international oil prices.
