A sweeping wave of secondary US sanctions is set to severely restrict Iran’s commercial aviation network, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that all remaining Iranian airlines will be shut down worldwide by September 23. The move comes as Washington heavily intensifies its economic pressure campaign against Tehran’s aviation sector.
Speaking on the expansion of the economic pressure campaign against Tehran, Bessent explained that the new measures would effectively cut Iranian airlines off from key international aviation services, including access to landing facilities, refueling, and ticket sales. International hubs, airports, and foreign companies that continue to provide these essential services to Iranian aircraft have been warned that they risk severe penalties, including being knocked out of the US dollar system.
This impending global aviation blockade follows a September 8 decision by the US Treasury Department to formally sanction 27 Iranian airlines. American officials described the aggressive targeting of the aviation sector as part of its “Operation Economic Outcast” campaign, a broader strategy intended to sever Iran’s international economic lifelines.
