US Sanctions Threatens Iranian Airlines

United States (US) sanctions have threatened to shut down Iranian airlines globally from September 23, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned.

Bessent issued the warning on Monday as the Trump administration intensified financial pressure on Tehran. He told CNBC that Iranian airlines would struggle to operate worldwide under the new sanctions.

“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent said.

He warned that countries and companies dealing with the airlines could also face US financial penalties.

“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 said.

The move follows earlier US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation industry.

Bessent has also described the latest pressure campaign as an “economic D-Day” for Iran.

The US announcement has already triggered responses from several countries. Two Iraqi sources told AFP on Monday that Baghdad would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines. Georgia also barred Iranian carriers from its territory on Monday.

Iranian airline Mahan Air said it suspended services to Turkey at the Turkish government’s request. The developments could further restrict Iran’s international air connections.

Iran’s aviation sector has faced US sanctions for years. The restrictions have limited the country’s ability to obtain aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services.

The latest measures come as the US-Israeli war with Iran approaches its seven-month mark. The United States and Israel launched the conflict in late February. The strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and senior military officials at the start of the offensive.

Tehran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy supplies. The disruption pushed global oil prices higher as the conflict spread across the Middle East.

Iran’s airspace was also completely closed after the US-Israeli attacks began. Some international travel has since resumed, mainly through Iranian carriers.

Earlier this month, the United States said it had sanctioned all remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously faced penalties. The US Treasury also targeted companies outside Iran accused of supporting the country’s aviation sector.

Bessent’s comments came a day after he met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic talks. The discussions were part of preparations for President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China is one of Iran’s major economic partners and diplomatic backers.

The US pressure on Iranian airlines could therefore add another point of tension to Washington’s relations with Beijing.

Iranian airlines have long struggled under international sanctions. The latest measures could further restrict their access to fuel, airport services, ticket sales and international routes.