Archive · 23 Sep 2026
US threatens to ground Iranian airlines through secondary sanctions
The United States says Iranian airlines may not be allowed to operate internationally from September 23.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that companies helping those airlines could also face punishment.
This could include airports, fuel providers and ticket sellers.
Companies that continue helping could lose access to the US dollar system.
The warning is part of a larger US campaign to pressure Iran economically.
The US has already sanctioned Iranian airlines and aviation-support companies.
Earlier sanctions made it harder for Iran to buy planes and repair parts.
The new threat could make international travel by Iranian airlines even more difficult.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines could be shut out of international travel from September 23.
The warning targets airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies and other businesses serving Iranian carriers abroad.
Foreign companies that continue supporting the airlines could lose access to the US dollar system.
The US Treasury recently sanctioned remaining Iranian airlines and companies accused of supporting Iran’s aviation sector.
Existing sanctions have already limited Iran’s access to aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services.
- Who
- The United States, Iranian airlines, foreign aviation-support companies and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- What
- The United States threatened secondary sanctions against companies supporting Iranian airlines, potentially preventing the carriers from operating internationally.
- When
- The measure was announced for September 23, described in the article as Wednesday.
- Where
- The threatened restrictions concern Iranian airlines’ international operations and companies worldwide that service them.
- Why
- The action is part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign to economically isolate Iran and pressure its aviation sector.
- Announced by
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Effective date cited
- September 23, described as Wednesday
- Potentially affected
- Iranian airlines and foreign companies that service them
- Targeted services
- Fuel, landing services, ticket sales and other aviation support
- Possible penalty
- Loss of access to the US dollar system
- Recent US action
- Sanctions on remaining Iranian airlines and aviation-support companies
- Existing impact
- Iranian carriers have struggled to obtain aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services