Bessent says all Iranian airlines will shut down worldwide in 2 days

• The US Treasury had previously sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines over their alleged role in supporting Iran’s government and military activities. 

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that all remaining Iranian airlines will be shut down worldwide by Sep. 23 as Washington intensifies sanctions against Iran’s aviation sector.

Speaking as the US expands its economic pressure campaign against Tehran, Bessent said the measures would cut Iranian airlines off from key international aviation services, including access to landing facilities, refueling and ticket sales, according to reports.

The announcement follows a Sep. 8 decision by the US Treasury Department to sanction 27 Iranian airlines, describing the action as part of its “Operation Economic Outcast” campaign. 

The Treasury said the airlines were targeted over their alleged role in supporting Iran’s regime, including the movement of weapons, personnel and illicit cargo.

The Treasury also suspended three aviation-related authorizations that had allowed certain overflights and permitted non-US airlines to operate US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft on flights into Iran. The department said requests related to aviation safety would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The sanctions include some of Iran’s major carriers, including Iran Air Tour, Iran Aseman Airlines, Qeshm Air, Kish Airlines, Sepehran Airlines and Varesh Airlines. 

The Treasury also warned foreign companies providing services to sanctioned Iranian airlines, including aircraft transfers, cargo services and general sales-agent support, that they could face US sanctions.

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