US Treasury chief says all Iran airlines to be 'shut down' on September 23
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned Monday that Iranian airlines will have trouble functioning globally in two days under the weight of American sanctions - as the Trump administration seeks to keep pressure on Tehran. On September 23, "all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," Bessent told CNBC in an interview. "If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you…
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday that all Iranian airlines will be shut down globally on September 23 due to American sanctions. In an interview with CNBC, Bessent warned that if Iranian airlines are allowed to land, they cannot be provided with fuel, landing services, or ticket sales without incurring penalties that would isolate them from the dollar system.
Tensions escalated between the United States and Iran following Israeli strikes that killed the Islamic Republic's supreme leader and other high-ranking officials in late February. In retaliation, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for energy transport, leading to a spike in global oil prices. Earlier this month, the United States sanctioned all remaining Iranian airlines that had not already faced penalties.
The Treasury Department also targeted entities supporting Iran's aviation sector, including foreign-based firms. Bessent has previously declared an "economic D-Day" against Iran and vowed to cut off Tehran's financial resources. The US Treasury chief's statement followed a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of President Trump's summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Iran's aviation industry has been struggling with sanctions, limiting its access to aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services.
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