The United States has warned that Iranian airlines could face severe international restrictions from September 23 as Washington increases economic pressure on Tehran through expanded sanctions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines would struggle to operate globally if countries and service providers continued to comply with the latest American measures targeting Iran’s aviation sector.
Speaking during an interview with CNBC on Monday, Bessent said:
“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world.”
He added that airlines operating under Iranian ownership could face difficulties accessing essential services, including aviation fuel, landing facilities and ticketing systems, if companies continued to do business with them.
The warning comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Iran amid the ongoing conflict between Washington, its allies and Tehran.
Earlier sanctions had already affected Iran’s aviation industry, limiting its access to aircraft, spare parts, maintenance services and international aviation support.
Following the latest announcement, officials in some countries have begun responding to the measures. Two Iraqi sources told AFP that Baghdad would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines after the US Treasury statement.
Georgia also announced restrictions on Iranian carriers, while Iranian airline Mahan Air reportedly suspended services to Turkey after a request from Turkish authorities.
The United States and Iran have remained locked in a major confrontation since late February, following US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader and senior military officials, according to reports.
In response, Tehran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, contributing to a rise in international oil prices as tensions spread across the Middle East.
Earlier this month, Washington announced sanctions targeting the remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously been affected, as well as companies outside Iran accused of supporting the country’s aviation sector.
Iran’s aviation industry has faced decades of restrictions due to international sanctions, affecting its ability to purchase new aircraft and maintain its existing fleet.
Bessent’s comments came shortly after economic discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of a planned meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China remains one of Iran’s major economic partners and diplomatic supporters.
