The United States is intensifying economic pressure on Iran, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that Iranian airlines could effectively be shut out of international aviation from September 23. The move forms part of Washington’s broader sanctions campaign aimed at restricting Iran’s access to international financial and commercial networks.
Bessent said foreign companies providing services to Iranian carriers could also face US sanctions. These services include aviation fuel, landing and ground-handling facilities and ticket sales. The US position is that companies continuing to support sanctioned Iranian airlines could face restrictions affecting their access to the US dollar financial system.
The latest warning follows a US Treasury action earlier this month targeting Iran’s remaining airlines that had not previously been sanctioned. Washington has also targeted companies outside Iran that it says provide support to the country’s aviation sector. The measures add to years of sanctions that have restricted Iranian carriers’ access to aircraft, spare parts, maintenance and international aviation services.
The potential impact is already being felt in regional air travel. Iraq has announced plans to suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines, while Georgia has also restricted services by affected Iranian carriers. Mahan Air has separately suspended services to Turkey following the loss of access to some ground-handling services.
The restrictions could make international travel for passengers using Iranian airlines more difficult, particularly on routes connecting Iran with neighbouring countries. The practical effect will depend on how airports, fuel suppliers, ground-service companies, ticketing agencies and governments respond to the US sanctions threat.
The latest measures come as diplomatic activity surrounding the US-Iran conflict continues at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Iranian officials have been pursuing diplomatic channels while regional governments have also called for dialogue and efforts to ease tensions, including over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington’s latest aviation measures therefore represent another component of its broader economic pressure campaign against Tehran, while the wider conflict and diplomatic efforts continue to shape regional security, trade and air connectivity.
