On Monday, 21st September, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines could effectively stop operating worldwide from 23rd September as Washington steps up economic pressure on Tehran. Bessent said foreign airports and companies that continue to support Iranian carriers could face US sanctions and lose access to the dollar system.
Bessent on Iran:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 21, 2026
On September 23, all Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world.
How do we do that? 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… pic.twitter.com/pX5wfEobV3
Bessent warns airlines and airports over Iran flights
Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said that from 23rd September, “all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world.” He said foreign companies would not be able to provide fuel, landing services or sell tickets for Iranian carriers without risking their access to the US dollar system.
The warning comes as the Trump administration continues its campaign to put financial pressure on Iran. Earlier this month, the US announced sanctions against the remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously been targeted. The Treasury Department also sanctioned companies and other entities outside Iran for supporting the country’s aviation sector.
Iraq, Georgia and Turkey restrict Iranian airlines
The impact of the new US pressure was already being seen in the region. Two Iraqi government sources told AFP that Baghdad would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines following the US announcement. Georgia also barred Iranian carriers from its territory.
Iranian airline Mahan Air said it had suspended flights to Turkey after a request from Turkish authorities. The airline also suspended some other international routes as restrictions on Iranian carriers increased.
Iran aviation sector already under sanctions
Iran’s aviation industry has faced US sanctions for years, making it difficult for the country to obtain new aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services. The latest measures are expected to make international operations even harder for Iranian carriers.
Iranian airspace was completely closed after US-Israeli attacks began in late February. Some air travel later resumed, but Iranian airlines have continued to face restrictions on international routes.
The wider conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has also affected regional transport and energy markets. Iran responded to the attacks by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments, contributing to a rise in oil prices as the conflict spread across the Middle East.
Bessent’s China talks
Bessent’s warning came a day after he met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic talks. The discussions were part of preparations for President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 24th September.
China is one of Iran’s major economic partners and diplomatic supporters. The latest US measures against Iranian airlines therefore come as Washington is also engaged in economic discussions with Beijing.
