Iran Airlines Face Global Shutdown as US Warns Foreign Airports of Sanctions

The United States has warned that Iranian airlines could be effectively shut out of international operations from September 23, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatening secondary sanctions against foreign companies that continue providing services to the carriers. The warning extends beyond the airlines themselves to airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies and other businesses involved in supporting Iranian carriers abroad. Bessent said companies providing fuel, landing services or ticket sales could risk losing access to the US dollar financial system.

US Targets Airports and Aviation Service Providers

Bessent said foreign businesses would face consequences if they continue servicing Iranian airlines. Under the threatened measures, companies could be targeted for providing aviation fuel, landing facilities and ticketing services to Iranian carriers. Iran Warns US of New Weapons; Says ‘Geography of War’ Could Change.

The US Treasury secretary said the restrictions could effectively prevent Iranian airlines from operating internationally if airports and other service providers choose to comply with Washington's pressure. The proposed action is based on secondary sanctions, which can target foreign companies for doing business with entities already subject to US sanctions.

27 Iranian Airlines Already Targeted by US

The latest warning follows a broader US sanctions campaign against Iran's aviation sector. Earlier in September, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Iranian airlines and foreign companies accused of supporting Iran's aviation industry. Reports said 27 Iranian airlines were among the entities targeted in the latest round.

Iran's aviation industry has already operated under extensive restrictions for years. US sanctions have made it difficult for Iranian carriers to obtain aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services from many international suppliers.

Iran Airlines Face Limited International Footprint

Iran operates several international carriers, including Iran Air, Mahan Air and Qeshm Air. However, analysts note that Iranian airlines have a relatively limited presence in the global aviation market. The potential impact of the new measures could therefore depend heavily on how airports, fuel providers, ground-service companies and ticketing businesses in countries where Iranian airlines operate respond to the US threat. Iran Sets 7 Conditions for US Talks: What Are Tehran’s Demands To End War?.

Aviation analyst Saj Ahmad told The National that enforcing the measures across the multiple companies involved in international airline operations could be difficult, particularly in countries with close economic ties to Iran.

China Becomes Key Factor in US-Iran Sanctions Push

Bessent's warning came after talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. China is among Iran's major economic partners, making Beijing's approach to the new US sanctions potentially significant. Bessent said Washington was engaged in discussions with Chinese authorities over compliance with the sanctions. The talks also came ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Wider US Economic Pressure on Iran

The airline measures are part of a broader US campaign aimed at restricting Iran's access to international financial and commercial networks. Washington has also targeted sectors including energy, shipping, technology, gold and digital assets as part of its sanctions policy toward Tehran. The latest aviation measures would extend that pressure to companies outside Iran that facilitate international operations by Iranian carriers.

The developments come as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also scheduled to attend the UN session.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2026 10:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).