Key Takeaways
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Iranian airlines will be shut down globally on September 23.
- The move follows increased US sanctions on Iran’s aviation industry, impacting fuel and ticket sales.
- Several countries, including Iraq and Georgia, have already suspended flights by Iranian airlines.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Monday that Iranian airlines will face significant operational challenges globally starting September 23, as part of intensified US sanctions against Tehran.
Bessent stated in an interview with CNBC that all Iranian airlines will be 'shut down' around the world, emphasizing that if they land, they will not be able to receive fuel, landing services, or sell tickets, and will be excluded from the dollar system.
The announcement comes after earlier sanctions on Iran’s aviation industry and Bessent’s previous threats to 'choke off' Tehran financially.
Two Iraqi sources informed AFP that Baghdad would suspend flights by Iranian airlines following the US Treasury’s announcement, while Georgia also barred Iranian carriers from its land.
Iranian airline Mahan announced that it had suspended service to Turkey at the request of the Turkish government.
The United States and Iran have been at war since late February, with US-Israeli strikes targeting key Iranian military officials and the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader.
In response, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for energy transit, causing global oil prices to surge as the conflict spread in the Middle East.
Earlier this month, the US imposed sanctions on 'all remaining Iranian airlines' that had not yet faced penalties, targeting firms supporting Iran’s aviation sector.
Iran’s aviation sector has long struggled with sanctions, limiting its ability to acquire aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services.
