**Title: US Targets Iranian Airlines Amid Heightened Tensions**
In a significant escalation of pressure on Iran, the United States has implemented measures that effectively restrict Iranian airlines from accessing international routes and airport services. This move, part of a broader campaign against Iran's aviation sector, has already resulted in the suspension and restriction of several regional flight connections.
The US Treasury Department recently targeted 27 Iranian airlines, including Mahan Air, one of the country's major carriers. This action comes in the wake of ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program and its regional activities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the severity of the sanctions, stating that foreign companies providing services to these airlines risk facing US secondary sanctions. He warned that as of September 23, the restrictions would effectively isolate Iranian airlines from international aviation.
"If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system," Bessent stated, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the sanctions.
Reports indicate that the impact of these sanctions is already being felt across the region. Azerbaijan has suspended flights operated by Iranian carriers, while Iraq has ceased accepting Iranian aircraft. Additionally, flights between Tehran and Muscat have been halted, and Georgia has announced its compliance with the sanctions affecting Iranian airlines.
Mahan Air, which has been under US sanctions since 2011 for allegedly supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), is among the airlines most affected by these new restrictions. The US Treasury has previously targeted foreign companies that provide commercial and logistical support to Mahan Air, further complicating its operations.
This aviation crackdown coincides with heightened diplomatic tensions as US President Donald Trump has ramped up his rhetoric against Iran. During a recent speech at the UN General Assembly, Trump threatened to "annihilate the Islamic Republic" if negotiations do not yield results, indicating a potential shift towards military escalation. His comments came amid a backdrop of indirect diplomatic contacts between US and Iranian officials, which continued even after many members of the Iranian delegation walked out during his address.
Despite the hostile environment, US envoy Steve Witkoff reported that mediators have been facilitating discussions between American and Iranian representatives. Tehran has used these channels to communicate its conditions to Washington, which include demands for the lifting of the US naval blockade and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
As the situation develops, the ramifications of the US sanctions on Iranian airlines are likely to extend beyond the aviation sector, affecting regional trade and travel dynamics. The ongoing tensions and the potential for further military or diplomatic actions will continue to shape the landscape of US-Iran relations in the coming months.