The United States plans to impose a global ban on providing services to Iranian commercial flights, starting Wednesday, as part of its efforts to enforce sanctions against Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday that all Iranian airlines will be shut down worldwide on September 23. This move targets foreign companies that continue to provide services to Iranian carriers, including international airports, ground-handling companies, and ticketing agents.
The US sanctions campaign against Tehran aims to restrict Iranian carriers' access to basic services such as fuel, landing assistance, and ticket sales outside of Iran. Bessent warned that any airport or company providing these services to Iranian airlines will be excluded from the dollar system. "If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system," he said in an interview with CNBC.
US President Donald Trump has stated that his options regarding Iran include "wiping Iran out, letting them rot economically, or making a deal." The US introduced new rounds of sanctions in August to further isolate the country, but the effort has stalled. The campaign, called Operation Economic Outcast, primarily targets countries doing business with Iran. Iranian airlines have already faced significant restrictions due to years of US sanctions, limiting their ability to purchase new aircraft and obtain spare parts and maintenance services.
The new policy will further strain Iran's aviation industry, which has been significantly impacted by years of US sanctions. Trump's administration has demanded that Tehran "put up the white flag of surrender." He has also threatened to make the Strait of Hormuz US territory. The US President had previously threatened that "a whole civilization will die… never to be brought back again" in the event of a war with Iran.
The potential conflict has already had significant consequences, with at least 18 US service members and thousands of people in the Middle East killed, and the global economy rattled. However, Bessent stated that the US president is currently in a "deciding mode," and that "very big things are going to be happening in the not-so-distant future." He also suggested that the war is likely to be over in the coming weeks.
The global crackdown on Iranian commercial flights is part of a broader effort to pressure Iran to concede to US demands. The US has been working to isolate Iran's economy and limit its ability to access international markets. The impact of these sanctions on Iran's economy and aviation industry remains to be seen.
The situation remains uncertain, with multiple possible outcomes. The US and Iran have a complex and contentious relationship, with tensions escalating in recent years. The international community is closely watching the developments, with many countries calling for restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
Key points
- US to shut down Iranian commercial flights worldwide on September 23
- Sanctions target foreign companies providing services to Iranian carriers
- US President Donald Trump has multiple options regarding Iran, including economic isolation or military action
