WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines would face sweeping international restrictions from September 23, with Washington seeking to prevent companies and service providers from supporting their operations.
Bessent said the United States would use access to the dollar-based financial system as leverage to discourage airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies and other businesses from providing services to Iranian carriers.
“On September 23, all Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent said, outlining the intended scope of the measures.
US Threatens Restrictions on Aviation Service Providers
Explaining the mechanism, Bessent said companies could face consequences if they supplied fuel, provided landing services or sold tickets for Iranian airlines after the restrictions take effect.
“If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” he said.
The comments indicate Washington intends to use financial restrictions rather than physically prevent Iranian aircraft from operating internationally.
However, the supplied remarks did not identify specific airlines affected or provide details about exemptions, implementation procedures or countries expected to enforce the measures.
Dollar Access Forms Core of US Pressure
Meanwhile, Bessent’s warning suggests businesses dealing with Iranian carriers could face a choice between continuing those transactions and maintaining access to the US financial system.
Such restrictions could affect multiple parts of international airline operations because carriers depend on airport handling, refuelling, ticket sales and other ground services when flying abroad.
Nevertheless, Bessent’s statement described the intended US policy rather than confirming that every Iranian airline would physically cease operations worldwide on September 23.
Further details from the US Treasury Department would determine the precise legal scope, affected entities and enforcement mechanisms behind the announced restrictions.
Bessent on Iran:
On September 23, all Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world.
How do we do that? If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar… pic.twitter.com/pX5wfEobV3
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 21, 2026
