Washington plans to isolate Iran’s airlines ‘around the world’

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Iran's airlines will be isolated globally starting September 23rd. This move is part of the ongoing economic sanctions put in place by the US against Tehran. The threat extends beyond the airlines themselves and includes airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies, and other businesses that support the airlines' operations abroad. Bessent warned that any company that provides these services to Iranian airlines could face penalties and be cut off from the dollar system.

This threat is a result of the escalating economic campaign against Iran by the Trump administration. Earlier this month, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on the remaining Iranian airlines that hadn't been targeted yet, as well as companies outside Iran accused of supporting the country's aviation sector. Iran's aviation industry has been heavily restricted by years of US sanctions, making it difficult for airlines to purchase new aircraft, obtain spare parts, and receive maintenance services.

These sanctions are part of a broader regime aimed at isolating Iran from the international financial system. Secondary sanctions target foreign companies that engage in various sectors with Iran, including energy, shipping, technology, gold, and digital assets, imposing penalties on them as well. Bessent's announcement came after talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of the US President's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China is a significant economic partner and diplomatic ally of Iran, and Beijing's cooperation is crucial to Washington's efforts to financially isolate Tehran. Bessent mentioned that Chinese officials have been actively engaged in the US pressure campaign, with positive talks held between US financial authorities and the People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng about compliance with US sanctions on Iran.