US Treasury Warns Global Operations of Iranian Airlines to Halt on September 23

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Monday that Iranian airlines will be unable to operate globally in two days because of new US sanctions. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said, “All the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world” starting September 23, as the US continues its effort to increase economic pressure on Iran.

He explained that, under these sanctions, airports and service providers would be prohibited from supplying Iranian airlines with fuel, landing services, or even selling tickets. Bessent warned that anyone providing such services risks being removed from the dollar payment system.

The announcement follows previous US actions against Iran’s aviation sector. Earlier this month, the US introduced sanctions covering all remaining Iranian airlines that had not yet been targeted. The Treasury Department also targeted companies outside Iran that support its aviation industry.

Following the US announcement, two Iraqi sources told AFP on Monday that Iraq would suspend Iranian airline flights. Additionally, Georgia reportedly blocked Iranian carriers from entering its territory. Iranian airline Mahan also announced a halt to its flights to Turkey, citing a request from the Turkish government.

Since late February, the United States and Iran have been engaged in conflict that escalated after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and senior military officials. Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil supplies and causing prices to rise. Following initial airspace closures, limited Iranian airline operations resumed, but the new sanctions are expected to further restrict them.