US Treasury Takes Decisive Action to Halt Iranian Airlines’ International Threats Starting September 23
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The United States strengthens its global security posture by enforcing secondary sanctions that will prevent Iranian airlines from operating internationally, warning that any company aiding these carriers risks losing access to the U.S. dollar system.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday a critical step in defending global security: starting September 23, Iranian airlines will be barred from international operations. The Secretary made it clear that firms supplying fuel, landing services, or ticket sales to these carriers could be cut off from the U.S. dollar system, sending a strong message to those who would enable Iran’s malign activities.
This measure follows the September 8 sanction targeting all 27 Iranian airlines, which Washington has identified as tools for transporting weapons and illicit cargo, contributing to instability in the region. The three main carriers—Mahan Air, Iran Air, and Qeshh Air—have already been forced to reduce or suspend routes to destinations such as Istanbul, Ankara, Muscat, and other regional hubs, a necessary step to curb their dangerous operations.
Iran Air’s chief executive, Taher Abdolhai, acknowledged the severe economic pressure on the aviation sector, noting that at least 30 aircraft have been damaged in recent conflicts—an outcome of Iran’s own destabilizing behavior. Data from the Iran Civil Aviation Organization showed that in 2025, 46.2 million passengers traveled in and out of Iran, with 7.2 million using Iranian airlines for international trips, highlighting the scale of the regime’s global reach.
Analysts expect the sanctions to impact airports that host Iranian flights, including Istanbul, Najaf, Baghdad, Dubai, New Delhi, Lahore, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Phuket, as well as services such as refueling and ground handling. While the United States cannot directly close foreign airspace, it is taking firm steps to deter third-party support for Iran’s dangerous aviation network.
Regional experts note that Iraq may seek an exemption to protect its tourism revenue, and Pakistan is unlikely to comply due to its close ties with Iran. China has predictably labeled the sanctions illegal, while Turkey and the UAE may respond based on their own interests. These reactions underscore the challenges of confronting regimes that flout international norms.
Iranian-American economist Nader Habibi warned that the sanctions could raise ticket prices, adding to Iran’s ongoing economic decline and currency devaluation—problems rooted in the regime’s own mismanagement. Aviation consultant Mazen Sammak observed that travelers may turn to land or sea routes through neighboring countries, increasing demand and costs at regional hubs such as Istanbul, Doha, Muscat, and Dubai.
The Treasury’s warning that companies assisting Iranian airlines could be “knocked out of the dollar system” demonstrates America’s resolve to enforce secondary sanctions and restrict access to U.S. financial markets, a proven tactic in pressuring Iran’s rogue regime.