The US Treasury Department has claimed success in its campaign to economically isolate Iran, with Secretary Scott Bessent stating that teams have been dispatched worldwide to discuss measures with countries and demand action against the Iranian regime. These efforts have resulted in several restrictions targeting Iranian banks and airlines. Bessent cited the suspension of flights by Iranian private airline Mahan Air by Turkey and Oman, as well as the halt of all Iranian airline flights by the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday that it would stop all Iranian airline flights in compliance with new US sanctions targeting the aviation sector. According to the Iranian news agency Isna, citing airport authorities, Iranian aircraft are no longer allowed to land in Iraq, the UAE, Oman, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. However, flights continue to operate with China, which has rejected US sanctions as "unilateral and illegal," and Russia, via Iran's main airlines, Iran Air and Mahan Air.
Despite US efforts to restrict Iranian airlines, flights between Iran and Turkey continue to operate multiple times a day in both directions, with Iran Air and smaller Iranian airlines maintaining the connection. According to Isna, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Malaysia also continue to be served by Iranian airlines. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had assured that all Iranian airlines would be grounded "everywhere in the world" by September 23.
The US Treasury Department has also taken measures targeting Iranian banks. The Central Bank of the UAE has prohibited branches of the state-owned Melli bank from conducting transactions with Iran, citing violations of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws. The Turkish banking regulator has revoked the license of Mellat Bank, citing a provision of the banking law related to financial system stability.
US Treasury officials have been actively engaging with countries worldwide to enforce sanctions on Iran. Jonathan Burke, the Assistant Secretary for Terrorism Financing, conducted a two-week tour of the Middle East and Europe this month. The US Treasury Department has also held discussions with over 50 countries, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Iranian regime has faced increasing pressure from the international community over its nuclear program and alleged support for terrorism. The US has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Iran in recent years, targeting its energy, financial, and aviation sectors. The effectiveness of these sanctions in changing Iran's behavior remains a topic of debate.
The US Treasury Department's efforts to isolate Iran economically are part of a broader strategy to pressure the Iranian government to address international concerns. The outcome of these efforts and their impact on the Iranian economy and government policies remain to be seen. Key points include the suspension of Iranian airline flights by several countries, measures targeting Iranian banks, and ongoing US engagement with countries worldwide to enforce sanctions.
Key points
- The US Treasury Department claims its efforts to economically isolate Iran are bearing fruit.
- Several countries have suspended Iranian airline flights in compliance with US sanctions.
- The US Treasury Department has also taken measures targeting Iranian banks.
