The United States has announced that all Iranian commercial airlines will be shut down worldwide from Wednesday, September 23, as Washington increases pressure on Iran’s aviation sector.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said airports, fuel suppliers and ticketing companies that continue supporting Iranian airlines could face penalties under the US financial system.

Bessent warned that foreign companies providing landing services, fuel or ticket sales to Iranian carriers could risk losing access to the US dollar system.

27 Iranian airlines already sanctioned

The announcement follows a major US Treasury sanctions action earlier this month. On September 8, the Treasury Department sanctioned 36 targets linked to Iran’s aviation sector, including 27 Iranian airlines.

The affected airlines include Iran Aseman Airlines, Kish Airlines, Qeshm Air, Sepehran Airlines and Zagros Airlines, among others.

The US Treasury said the measures were designed to target Iran’s aviation networks and restrict access to aircraft, aviation services and international financial channels.

Pressure extends beyond airlines

The latest restrictions could also affect companies outside Iran that provide services to Iranian carriers.

US officials have described the measures as part of a wider campaign to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The restrictions are aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to use its aviation sector for international travel and other activities.

Bessent also said he had discussed Iran-related sanctions with Chinese officials. Reuters reported that US-China talks have included efforts to restrict Iran’s financial connections, although Beijing has not publicly confirmed every aspect of the US account.