US to shut down Iranian airlines with fresh sanctions from September 23

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared that Iranian airlines will effectively be barred from global operations starting September 23 under new American sanctions measures. The restrictions are designed to limit Iran's ability to maintain and expand its commercial aviation infrastructure.

Bessent indicated that the sanctions will create significant obstacles for Iranian carriers seeking to operate routes outside the country's borders. The measures target the airline industry as part of broader US efforts to pressure Iran through economic restrictions.

The announcement comes as part of Washington's ongoing sanctions regime against Tehran. Officials say the aviation sector restrictions will compound existing challenges faced by Iranian airlines in accessing spare parts, financing, and international partnerships.

Iranian carriers have struggled for years under successive rounds of US sanctions, which have limited their ability to modernise fleets and secure necessary equipment. The latest sanctions announcement underscores continued US pressure on Iran's critical economic sectors.

The September 23 implementation date gives affected parties a window to adjust operations and wind down services, though aviation analysts expect significant disruption to Iran's international flight networks.