U.S. Tightens Sanctions on Iran’s Airlines

The United States is increasing economic pressure on Iran by targeting the country’s airline industry. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could be effectively shut out of international aviation from September 23 if foreign companies continue providing them with key services.

Bessent said the measures would affect companies and service providers that support Iranian airlines outside Iran. These could include airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies and other aviation service providers. Companies that continue dealing with sanctioned Iranian carriers could face US secondary sanctions and restrictions on access to the US financial system.

The warning follows a September 8 action by the US Treasury Department, which sanctioned the remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously been targeted. Treasury also imposed sanctions on companies and intermediaries accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector and helping the country obtain aircraft and sensitive aviation technology.

The new measures could make it more difficult for Iranian airlines to operate international flights. Without access to services such as refuelling, landing facilities and ticket sales, carriers could face major difficulties maintaining routes outside Iran.

Bessent said foreign companies that continue providing such services could risk losing access to the US dollar-based financial system. The policy is therefore aimed not only at Iranian airlines but also at companies in other countries that continue doing business with them.

The action is part of Washington’s broader Operation Economic Outcast, launched by the Treasury Department in August. The campaign is designed to restrict Iran’s access to international financial and commercial networks and target organisations that help the Iranian government generate revenue or avoid sanctions.

Iran’s aviation sector has already faced years of US sanctions, which have restricted access to aircraft, spare parts, technology and other services. The latest measures could put additional pressure on airlines that depend on international airports and foreign companies to operate their routes.

The impact may extend beyond Iranian airlines. International companies will have to decide whether continuing to provide services to Iranian carriers is worth the risk of potential US sanctions. Analysts have also pointed out that enforcement could be difficult because Iranian airlines have a relatively limited international network and operate in countries with different policies toward Iran.

The latest move represents another step in Washington’s campaign to isolate Iran economically. The September 23 deadline will be closely watched as airlines, airports and other aviation companies assess how the US measures could affect their operations and their financial relationships with Iran.