US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could face severe disruption worldwide from September 23 as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions.
Speaking to a news channel on Monday after talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, Bessent said airlines operating from Iran would effectively be unable to access essential aviation services once the measures take effect.
He said airports and service providers could face US secondary sanctions if they refuel Iranian aircraft, provide landing services or sell tickets for their flights.
“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent said. He added that companies continuing to provide services to Iranian carriers risked being excluded from the US dollar-based financial system.
Bessent also said Chinese officials had been closely involved in discussions over compliance with US sanctions on Iran. He said the US had held positive talks with Chinese financial authorities, including People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, regarding the implementation of the measures.
