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All Iranian commercial airlines will cease operating worldwide from Sept. 23, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday, warning that foreign companies supporting them could face exclusion from the US financial system.
Speaking to US television network CNBC, Bessent said the measures would target international hubs and service providers working with Iran’s civil aviation network.
Foreign operators face sanctions risk
According to Bessent, foreign companies could risk losing access to dollar clearing if they refuel Iranian aircraft, provide landing facilities or sell tickets for Iranian carriers.
Iranian officials had not immediately issued a public response to the planned restrictions.
The Treasury secretary also said Washington had identified financial intermediaries facilitating transactions for Tehran and was taking steps against third parties supporting Iran.
US says China discussions are under way
Asked whether potential enforcement by China had been discussed, Bessent said the issue was addressed during meetings. He said Washington was holding quiet discussions with several countries rather than making public announcements.
Bessent added that Chinese financial authorities, including People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, remained “very engaged in the process.”
He did not say how long the campaign would continue, saying it could last “one week, one month, or six months,” while describing the pressure as unprecedented.
The aviation restrictions come as Washington intensifies economic measures against Tehran under Operation Economic Fury amid the war in Iran, now in its seventh month. The conflict began in late February after coordinated US-Israeli strikes, leading to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, continuing regional missile exchanges and increased pressure on Iran’s commercial and financial networks.
