The United States has announced plans to effectively shut down international travel for Iranian airlines beginning Wednesday, September 23. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued the warning, stating that any foreign companies servicing Iranian carriers will face secondary sanctions, risking being cut off from the US dollar system.
The sweeping threat targets not only the airlines but the entire ecosystem they rely on to operate internationally, including airports, fuel suppliers, and ticketing companies. “If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” Bessent said in an interview with CNBC.
This move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran, occurring against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. The US Treasury had already imposed sanctions earlier this month on all remaining Iranian airlines that were not previously targeted, as well as on external companies accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector. Iran’s aviation industry has already been severely handicapped by years of sanctions that restrict the purchase of new aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services.
The US efforts to isolate Iran financially also involve diplomatic pressure on its allies and economic partners. According to Bessent, China—a crucial economic and diplomatic partner of Iran—has been “very engaged” in the US pressure campaign. Bessent reported holding positive talks regarding compliance with US sanctions on Iran with Chinese financial authorities, including the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng. These discussions occurred ahead of an expected meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.