All Iranian commercial airlines could effectively be shut out of international operations from Wednesday, Sept 23, as the United States prepares to impose secondary sanctions on companies providing services to the carriers.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the warning during an interview with CNBC on Monday, saying Washington’s measures were aimed at isolating Iran’s civil aviation network.
“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent said.
He warned that foreign airports and aviation companies could face exclusion from the US dollar financial system if they continue providing services to Iranian airlines.
This includes refuelling aircraft, providing landing facilities and selling passenger tickets, he said.
Iranian officials had not immediately issued a public response to the planned restrictions.
The measures come as Washington steps up economic pressure on Tehran under what it calls Operation Economic Fury, amid the ongoing Iran war. The aviation restrictions follow earlier US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector.
Bessent said the US was also engaging with foreign financial authorities over enforcement of the sanctions, with Chinese financial officials involved in discussions.
The latest move could further restrict Iran’s international air connectivity, with foreign service providers facing the risk of US financial penalties if they continue supporting Iranian carriers.
