All Iranian Airlines Will Be Grounded Globally By September 23’: US Threatens Tehran With New Sanctions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could be effectively cut off from international aviation operations from this week, as Washington threatens sanctions against foreign companies that continue providing services to sanctioned Iranian carriers.

“All the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent told CNBC, as the US-Iran conflict approaches its seventh month.

The warning extends beyond Iranian airlines themselves. Airports, ticketing companies, fuel suppliers and other aviation service providers could also face consequences if they continue working with the carriers.

Bessent said Iranian airlines could be prevented from operating internationally if companies refuse to provide essential services such as fuel, landing facilities and ticket sales.

“If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, and you cannot sell them tickets or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” he said, adding that the measures could effectively shut the airlines out by September 23.

Washington Expands Economic Pressure on Tehran

The latest warning represents another step in the US campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran.

Washington has previously imposed sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector, including airlines and companies accused of supporting the country’s air transport industry. Bessent has also previously described the broader financial pressure on Tehran as an “economic D-Day”.

Iran has yet to publicly respond to Bessent’s latest warning. However, some countries have already taken steps affecting Iranian carriers following the US announcement.

Two Iraqi officials told AFP that Iraq would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines. Georgia has also barred Iranian carriers from its territory, while Iranian airline Mahan Air said it had suspended services to Turkey following a request from the Turkish government.

Iran’s Aviation Sector Already Under Sanctions

Iran’s aviation industry has faced international sanctions for years, making it difficult for airlines to obtain new aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services.

Earlier this month, the US Treasury announced sanctions against Iranian airlines that had not previously been designated, while also targeting foreign entities accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector.

The latest measures could further complicate international operations for Iranian carriers by affecting the network of companies and services they depend on outside Iran.

China Factor

Bessent’s remarks came a day after his meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic discussions ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China is among Iran’s major economic partners and has maintained close diplomatic ties with Tehran. The potential impact of US secondary sanctions on companies doing business with Iran could therefore become an issue in broader US-China economic discussions.

US-Iran Conflict and Aviation Disruptions

The current conflict between the US and Iran began in late February following US-Israeli military strikes on targets in Iran. Tehran subsequently retaliated and took steps affecting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy transit route.

Iranian airspace was also shut following the outbreak of hostilities. Although some air travel has since resumed, international aviation involving Iranian carriers has remained severely disrupted.

With Washington now threatening companies that provide fuel, landing services and ticketing support to Iranian airlines, the new measures could further restrict the carriers’ ability to operate outside Iran.