U.S. Sanctions Could Effectively Ground Iranian Airlines Worldwide From September 23, Bessent Says

WASHINGTON (Nazrana Times) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that Iranian airlines could effectively be shut out of international operations from September 23 as Washington intensifies sanctions pressure on Iran’s aviation sector.

Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said Iranian carriers would face serious difficulties operating internationally because foreign airports, aviation companies and service providers risk losing access to the U.S. dollar system if they continue providing certain services to sanctioned Iranian airlines. Reuters reported the remarks on Monday. 

Fuel, Ground Services and Ticket Sales Targeted

According to Bessent, the restrictions are intended to prevent service providers from supplying Iranian aircraft with fuel, ground and landing services or ticketing support. Companies continuing such dealings could face secondary-sanctions consequences affecting their access to the dollar-based financial system. 

Bessent said that from September 23 Iranian airlines would effectively be “shut down around the world,” although the practical impact will depend on how governments, airports, banks and aviation-service companies in different countries respond to the U.S. measures. 

U.S. Sanctioned 27 Iranian Airlines

The latest pressure follows a major U.S. Treasury action announced on September 8. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 36 targets connected to Iran’s aviation sector, including 27 Iranian airlines that had not previously been sanctioned under the aviation-sector authority. 

The Treasury accused Iran’s aviation sector of facilitating the movement of weapons, personnel and illicit cargo and said the sanctions also targeted foreign intermediaries and companies involved in aircraft procurement. Iran has disputed broader U.S. pressure policies against Tehran. 

OFAC also suspended certain previously available authorizations and issued a new general licence covering the wind-down of some civil aviation-related transactions that had previously been permitted. 

International Flights Already Facing Disruption

Signs of disruption have already emerged. Mahan Air has suspended some international services, including flights to Istanbul, Ankara and Muscat, amid mounting sanctions pressure, according to the Financial Times. 

The measures could have significant consequences for Iranian passengers travelling abroad if foreign airports and service providers stop handling Iranian carriers to avoid exposure to U.S. sanctions.

Nazrana Times | International Desk