Key facts
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Iranian airlines will be shut down globally on September 23.
- Companies servicing Iranian airlines risk being cut off from the US dollar system.
- The US has intensified pressure on Tehran through sanctions.
- The US previously sanctioned all remaining Iranian airlines and supporting firms.
- Iran's aviation sector has long been constrained by US sanctions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Monday that Iranian airlines will face a global shutdown starting September 23 due to escalating American sanctions. Bessent warned that any entities providing fuel, landing services, or selling tickets to these airlines risk being removed from the US dollar system. This move is part of the Trump administration's intensified economic campaign against Tehran, which has been ongoing alongside the war launched by the US and Israel.
Earlier in September, the US Treasury had imposed sanctions on all Iranian airlines that had not previously been targeted, as well as on companies outside Iran accused of supporting the country's aviation sector. Iran's aviation industry has long been significantly constrained by years of US sanctions, making it difficult to acquire new aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services.
Bessent's comments followed his economic talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China is a key economic partner and diplomatic supporter of Iran, making its cooperation potentially significant for Washington's efforts to isolate Tehran financially. Bessent indicated that Chinese officials had been engaged in discussions regarding compliance with US sanctions on Iran.