WASHINGTON—The United States has intensified its campaign to economically isolate Iran and is pressuring countries that still maintain trade relations with Tehran to reduce or sever their financial and aviation ties.
The message was delivered by Jonathan Burke, Under Secretary
of the Treasury for Terrorism Financing, who toured the Middle East and Europe
and met with representatives from more than 50 countries, according to reports
published by The Wall Street Journal.
During his meetings, Burke reportedly warned Iran's trading
partners that maintaining relations with Tehran could jeopardize their access
to the US financial system. The message, according to the report, was framed as
a choice: maintain trade ties with Iran or preserve their economic relations
with Washington.
The pressure has already had consequences. Oman first
restricted Mahan Air flights and subsequently blocked operations by Iranian
airlines. The United Arab Emirates also took action against banking operations
linked to Iran and suspended flights by Iranian airlines, while Turkey canceled
Mahan Air flights and revoked the license of a major Iranian bank.
The crackdown is part of a broader sanctions strategy by the
U.S. administration. The Treasury Department has warned that entities that
facilitate financial transactions or sanctions evasion activities on behalf of
Iran could be excluded from the U.S. financial system.