US Threatens to Ground All Iranian Airlines Worldwide From September 23: What’s Behind the Move

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could be effectively cut off from international aviation operations from September 23, as Washington steps up pressure on foreign companies providing services to the carriers.

“All the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent told CNBC, as the US-Iran conflict approaches its seventh month. The warning is not limited to Iranian airlines. Airports, fuel providers, ticketing companies and other aviation service firms that continue to support the carriers could also face US sanctions.

How the US Plans to Target Iranian Airlines

Bessent said Iranian carriers could lose access to essential services abroad, including fuel, landing facilities and ticket sales.

“If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, and you cannot sell them tickets or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” he said.

According to Bessent, the measures could effectively prevent Iranian airlines from operating internationally by September 23.

The strategy would rely on secondary sanctions, putting foreign businesses at risk of losing access to the US financial system if they continue servicing sanctioned Iranian carriers.

Countries Begin Restricting Iranian Carriers

Iran has not yet publicly responded to Bessent’s latest warning. However, several countries have already taken measures affecting Iranian airlines.

Two Iraqi sources told AFP that Baghdad would suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines following the US Treasury announcement.

Georgia has also restricted Iranian carriers from operating in the country, while Mahan Air said it had suspended services to Turkey after a request from the Turkish government.

Iran’s Aviation Industry Already Under Pressure

Iran’s aviation sector has faced years of international sanctions, limiting the country’s ability to purchase aircraft and obtain spare parts and maintenance services.

Earlier this month, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Iranian airlines that had not previously been targeted, along with foreign entities accused of supporting the country’s aviation industry.

The latest threat could add another layer of pressure by targeting the companies Iranian airlines depend on to operate abroad.

Why China Matters

Bessent’s comments came shortly after he met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic talks ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China remains one of Iran’s important economic partners and diplomatic supporters. The US push to penalise companies that continue dealing with Iranian entities could therefore add another point of tension to Washington-Beijing economic relations.

US-Iran War and Aviation Disruptions

The conflict between the US and Iran began in late February after US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran. Tehran retaliated, with the confrontation also affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

Iran’s airspace was closed following the outbreak of hostilities. While some flights have since resumed, international air travel involving Iranian carriers remains heavily disrupted.

If the US measures take effect as outlined by Bessent, Iranian airlines could face additional difficulties securing fuel, airport services and ticketing support, potentially limiting their ability to maintain international operations.