US warns Iranian airlines face global shutdown
All Iranian commercial airlines will face a global shutdown beginning Sept. 23 under sweeping US secondary sanctions, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday.
Bessent said foreign airports, airlines and other service providers that continue supporting Iranian carriers could be excluded from the US financial system.
Foreign airports face sanctions
Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said international operators would risk losing access to dollar clearing if they refuel Iranian aircraft, provide landing facilities or sell tickets for Iranian airlines.
The measures are aimed at isolating Iran's civil aviation network and cutting off financial and logistical channels supporting the country's airlines.
Iranian authorities had not immediately issued a public response to the announcement.
Washington targets financial intermediaries
Bessent also warned companies and financial intermediaries accused of helping Tehran circumvent US sanctions.
"We've seen enablers throughout the world," he said, adding that Washington was taking action against entities involved in facilitating transactions linked to Iran.
Asked about possible enforcement involving China, Bessent said the issue had been discussed during talks with Chinese officials. He said Washington was maintaining private discussions with several countries rather than relying on public announcements.
Pressure on Tehran intensifies
The aviation measures come as Washington expands economic pressure on Tehran under Operation Economic Fury amid the ongoing Iran war.
Bessent did not specify how long the campaign would continue, saying its duration could not be predicted, while describing the pressure on Iran as unprecedented.
The broader conflict has disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, involved repeated missile exchanges across the region and increased pressure on Iran's commercial and financial networks.
Source:AA
