How will Iran’s UN delegation get home? Bessent taunts Tehran over flight sanctions
Iran’s UN team due home Saturday. Bessent asks: How?
New York: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posed an intriguing dilemma for Iran's delegates at the UN General Assembly in New York - how will they return home? Bessent's inquiry came as US sanctions crippled Iran's international air travel. The Iranian president and his team arrived in New York on Tuesday for a five-day visit and are set to depart for Tehran on Saturday.
Iran's UN trip coincides with heightened tensions in the US-Iran conflict, potentially culminating in a critical phase. On September 8, the US imposed sanctions on Iran's remaining airlines under "Operation Economic Outcast," targeting 27 carriers. A 24-hour grace period ended on September 23, further tightening the noose around Iran's aviation industry.
Treasury Secretary Bessent claimed the measures had already grounded over 80% to 90% of Iran's external flights. Yet, some flights did manage to operate after the restrictions kicked in, with Tehran reportedly arranging for the Iranian president's personal aircraft to fly to New York. This illustrates the challenges Washington faces in completely isolating Iran's aviation sector.
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