US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could be unable to operate globally from September 23 as the Trump administration steps up economic pressure on Tehran.
Bessent said on Monday that US sanctions would make it difficult for Iranian carriers to access essential aviation services and financial transactions.
“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent told CNBC.
He added that countries providing services to Iranian airlines could face consequences under the US financial system.
“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,” he said.
The warning follows earlier US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation industry as Washington intensifies its campaign to cut Tehran’s access to international finance.
Two Iraqi sources told AFP on Monday that Baghdad would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines following the US announcement.
Georgia also barred Iranian carriers from its territory, while Iranian airline Mahan Air said it had suspended services to Turkey following a request from the Turkish government.
The latest measures come as the US-Israeli war against Iran approaches its seventh month.
The conflict began in late February after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and senior military officials, triggering a wider offensive.
Iran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy shipments, contributing to a surge in international oil prices as the conflict spread across the Middle East.
Earlier this month, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against “all remaining Iranian airlines” that had not previously been targeted.
The department also sanctioned entities outside Iran accused of supporting the country’s aviation industry.
Iran’s airspace was completely closed after the US-Israeli attacks began in February. Some air travel has since resumed, largely through Iranian carriers.
Iran’s aviation industry has faced years of international sanctions, limiting its access to aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services.
Bessent’s warning came a day after he held economic talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China remains one of Iran’s major economic partners and diplomatic supporters.
