US Warns Iranian Airlines Face Global Disruption From September 23

WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could face major difficulties maintaining international operations from September 23 as Washington expands sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector.

Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said the United States would take measures aimed at restricting the ability of Iranian airlines to operate internationally.

The measures could also affect foreign companies and airports that provide services to Iranian carriers.

Bessent warned that companies providing Iranian aircraft with services such as fuel, landing facilities and other airport support could face consequences under the US sanctions regime.

He also indicated that businesses involved in selling tickets for Iranian airlines could face pressure.

The measures are designed to restrict Iranian carriers’ access to the international aviation network by targeting the services they depend on abroad.

The US Treasury previously imposed sanctions on a large number of Iranian aviation-sector entities, including 27 Iranian airlines, according to reports.

The latest measures could make international operations increasingly difficult for Iranian carriers because airlines require access to foreign airports, fuel, ground handling, ticketing and financial services.

Bessent also said Washington was in discussions with Chinese officials regarding Iran and sanctions enforcement.

Iran has not announced a broad suspension of its international airline operations in response to the latest US warning, although individual routes and foreign aviation links are facing increasing restrictions.