Iranian Airlines Grounded Worldwide from September 23
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Monday that all Iranian airlines will be shut down worldwide from September 23, citing secondary sanctions aimed at anyone touching them. This includes foreign airports, fuel suppliers, handling agents, and ticketing companies.
The mechanism works by cutting off access to the US dollar financial system, which is critical for most of the aviation supply chain. Without it, airlines will struggle to operate outside Iran, where they rely on foreign services.
This move follows a series of actions taken by the Treasury Department, including Operation Economic Outcast and Executive Order 13902. On September 8, OFAC sanctioned 36 targets supporting Iran's aviation sector and designated 27 Iranian airlines, including Mahan Air, which has been under US designation since 2011.
The impact will not be limited to Iranian airlines, as foreign carriers flying Boeings or Airbuses with American systems may lose their legal cover for operating into Iranian airports. The Treasury Department said it will consider aviation safety-related requests on a case-by-case basis.