US Treasury Secretary Scott Bissett announced on Saturday, September 27, that teams have been dispatched worldwide to urge countries to take action against Iran. He welcomed a series of decisions targeting Iranian banks and airlines. Bissett stated that these efforts are yielding results, citing examples of countries taking action against Iranian entities.
Bissett revealed that teams were sent to various parts of the world to communicate with countries and demand they take action against the Iranian regime. He noted that Turkey and Oman have stopped flights by Iranian private airline Mahan Air, while the UAE has suspended all flights by Iranian airlines. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension of Iranian airline flights from and to the country, effective immediately.
The US Treasury Secretary highlighted measures targeting Iranian banks. The Central Bank of the UAE announced on Wednesday that it had taken action against branches of Iran's Melli Bank due to violations related to anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing. The Turkish Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency had previously revoked the license of Iran's Melli Bank.
Bissett emphasized that even the Iranian leadership has acknowledged the economic consequences of the war, with the value of the rial plummeting to record lows. He noted that Assistant US Treasury Secretary Jonathan Berk completed a two-week tour of the Middle East and Europe this month, and the Treasury Department has held talks with representatives from over 50 countries.
On Monday, Bissett stated in an interview with CNBC that all Iranian airlines would cease operations from September 23. He warned that if these planes land, they will not be able to refuel, land, or sell tickets, or else they will be excluded from the dollar system. However, small Iranian airlines continue to operate flights abroad, particularly to China, which refuses to comply with US pressure.
The US Treasury Department's efforts aim to restrict Iran's access to the global financial system. Bissett's comments come as the US continues to enforce sanctions against Iran. The Iranian leadership has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, with the country's economy severely impacted by the sanctions.
The effects of the economic isolation are being felt in Iran, with the country's currency, the rial, experiencing significant devaluation. The US Treasury Department's actions have contributed to the economic pressure on Iran, as the country faces challenges in accessing the global financial system. The situation remains a key concern for international leaders.
Key points
- The US Treasury Department has dispatched teams worldwide to urge countries to take action against Iran.
- The UAE has suspended all flights by Iranian airlines, while Turkey and Oman have stopped flights by Mahan Air.
- The US Treasury Secretary believes that the efforts to economically isolate Iran are yielding results.
