US threatens to block flights by Iranian airlines

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Monday that Iranian airlines could face a worldwide suspension of operations starting September 23 as a result of sanctions imposed by Washington. He made the statement in an interview with CNBC, amid intensifying pressure from the Trump administration on the regime in Tehran.

Bessent said that after that date, Iranian airlines’ aircraft should no longer receive fuel, landing services or other forms of assistance. Countries and organizations that continue to work with these companies risk being excluded from the dollar-based financial system through the imposition of secondary sanctions.

At the beginning of September, the United States placed Iran’s entire aviation system on its blacklist and threatened sanctions against any entity maintaining ties with Iranian operators. The measure is part of the US economic offensive against Tehran, after military pressure failed to produce the results sought by Washington.

The announcement came a day after Bessent met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The discussions focused on preparations for a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled for Thursday in Washington. China is an important economic partner of Iran, a relationship criticized by the United States.