Washington threatens secondary sanctions on foreign companies that supply fuel, airport services, or ticket sales to Iranian airlines.
Washington, September 21, 2026 – The United States warned
that all Iranian airlines could be effectively grounded internationally
starting Wednesday, September 23, as a result of new economic pressure measures
against Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Washington
will seek to prevent Iranian companies from accessing the services necessary to
operate international flights. The measure includes pressuring foreign
companies through secondary sanctions.
Bessent indicated that airports and companies that continue
to provide services to Iranian airlines could face restrictions within the US
financial system.
Among the services that Washington intends to limit are fuel
supply, landing and airport assistance services, and ticket sales. Companies
that continue to provide these services could be excluded from the dollar-based
financial system, according to the official.
The warning comes after the Treasury Department announced
sanctions on September 8 against 36 targets linked to Iran's aviation industry,
including 27 airlines. Washington accuses the sector of participating in the
transfer of weapons, personnel, and illicit cargo.
The new measures seek to broaden the pressure beyond the
airlines themselves, also targeting foreign companies that provide them with
infrastructure and services essential to their international operations.