US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines face a global shutdown as Washington threatens secondary sanctions against companies that service them.
Key facts
- •US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that all Iranian airlines will be effectively shut down globally starting September 23.
- •Entities providing fuel, landing services, or ticket sales to Iranian carriers face exclusion from the US dollar system.
- •The US Treasury recently sanctioned all remaining Iranian airlines and several international firms supporting the aviation sector.
- •The sanctions are part of a broader effort to isolate Iran from the international financial system.
- •Bessent held economic talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of a summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday that Iranian airlines face a global shutdown beginning Wednesday, September 23. The administration is threatening foreign companies, including airports and fuel suppliers, with exclusion from the US dollar system if they provide services to Iranian carriers. This move is part of an escalating economic campaign by the Trump administration to isolate Tehran amid ongoing conflict.
Scope of Secondary Sanctions
The US warning targets the entire support network required for international flight operations. Bessent stated that any entity providing fuel, landing services, or ticket sales to Iranian airlines risks being cut off from the US dollar system. Earlier this month, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on all remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously been targeted, as well as international firms accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector.
Diplomatic Context and Economic Pressure
The announcement follows discussions between Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of a scheduled summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping this Thursday. As a major economic partner and diplomatic backer of Iran, China's cooperation is viewed as significant to US efforts. Bessent noted that US officials are holding positive talks with Chinese financial authorities, including People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, regarding compliance with the sanctions.
Timeline
- Late FebruaryThe United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran.
- MondayTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the impending global shutdown of Iranian airlines.
- Wednesday, September 23The date by which Iranian airlines are expected to be shut down globally.
- ThursdayPresident Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah, Al Jazeera.
