US to shut down Iranian airlines worldwide from Sept 23: Bessent
Washington: The US will move to shut down the operations of all Iranian airlines worldwide from Wednesday, September 23, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday, as Washington tightens sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector.
Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said foreign companies providing fuel, landing services or ticket sales to Iranian airlines could face US sanctions and lose access to the US dollar financial system.
“When Iranian airlines land at an airport, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets,” Bessent said.
The announcement follows the US Treasury Department’s September 8 decision to impose sanctions on 27 Iranian airlines.
Washington accused the carriers of supporting the Iranian government and military activities, including the movement of weapons, personnel and illicit cargo.
The airlines named in the sanctions include Iran Air Tour, Iran Aseman Airlines, Qeshm Air, Kish Airlines, Sepehran Airlines and Varesh Airlines.
The Treasury also suspended three aviation-related authorisations covering certain overflights and the use of US-origin or US-controlled commercial aircraft on flights to Iran. Requests related to aviation safety will be reviewed on an individual basis.
The US measures also target businesses that continue providing services to sanctioned Iranian airlines.
The restrictions cover aircraft transfers, cargo services and support provided by general sales agents. Companies found violating the measures could face US financial restrictions.
The sanctions could affect Iranian carriers’ ability to obtain essential services at airports outside Iran, potentially disrupting their international operations.
With IANS inputs