The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran have reached a new and decisive turning point. Amidst the nearly seven-month-long conflict, the US is now preparing to launch the most significant attack on Iran's air services to completely encircle Iran economically. The US government has openly threatened to completely halt Iranian airline operations worldwide starting tomorrow, September 23, 2026.
With this threat, the US has also warned all foreign companies and countries that provide any kind of service to Iranian airlines. The US has clearly stated that any company that assists Iran will face US action.
A major statement from the US Treasury Secretary
This warning was issued by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant. In an interview with the US channel CNBC on Monday, September 22, he said that the US is now going to impose a global shutdown on all Iranian airlines.
Bessant said, "We will stop all Iranian airlines worldwide. How will we do that? If their plane lands somewhere, you can't provide them with fuel, landing facilities, or sell their tickets. If you do that, you will be taken out of the dollar system."
This directly means that the US is going to impose secondary sanctions. This means sanctions not only on Iran, but also on those who support Iran.
Who will be targeted?
This US plan is not limited to airlines. It covers the entire aviation ecosystem:
1. Airports and ground handling companies: Airports that will allow Iranian planes to land or provide ground services.
2. Fuel supply companies: Those who will refuel Iranian planes.
3. Ticketing companies and travel agencies: Those who will sell tickets for Iranian airlines or provide booking systems.
According to the US Treasury Department, any company providing these services to these banned Iranian airlines risks being excluded from the US dollar system and the international banking system SWIFT. In today's world, being excluded from the dollar system is tantamount to death for any international company.
Why is this action being taken?
The US alleges that Iran is using its commercial passenger airlines for military purposes. The US says these aircraft are transporting Iranian military officials, weapons, drone parts, and military equipment from one country to another.
The US administration is calling this part of its larger campaign, "Operation Economic Outcast." The aim of this operation is to cripple Tehran economically by completely shutting down all financial and trade routes connected to the Iranian government. President Donald Trump has called it "Economic D-Day."
This threat did not come suddenly. Previously, on September 8th, the US Treasury Department took major action against Iran's aviation sector. That day, the Department imposed sanctions on a total of 36 targets, including 27 Iranian airlines. These included major companies like Mahan Air, Iran Air, and Caspian Airlines. The US had warned that those supporting them were being monitored.
China, India, and Russia also under scrutiny
The US is also very strict about China's role in this campaign, as China is Iran's largest economic partner. In July 2026, the US imposed sanctions on companies and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran for allegedly supporting Mahan Air.
The US believes that the sanctions on Iranian airlines will have a real impact only when countries like China, India, Turkey, and Russia also abandon their support.
The effects of the US threat have already begun to be felt on the ground:
1. Iraq: Iraq's aviation authority has announced that it is suspending all flights of Iranian airlines.
2. Georgia: Georgia has banned Iranian aircraft from entering its airspace.
3. Turkey: Following Turkey's request, Mahan Air, Iran's largest private airline, has suspended flights to Turkey.
What will be the impact on Iran's air connectivity?
If the US fully implements its threat, Iran will be virtually cut off from the world. Iran has approximately 27 active airlines, primarily operating flights to Dubai, Istanbul, New Delhi, Moscow, Beirut, and some European cities. These airlines carry millions of passengers annually, especially a large number of Iranian expatriates and workers.
The suspension of flights will not only cause inconvenience to ordinary people but will also severely impact Iran's trade, medicine, and supply of essential goods. The Iranian currency is already under pressure, and this move could further weaken it.
At present, there has been no official response from the Iranian government, but Iranian media is calling it a policy of "economic terrorism" by the US.
The whole world will be watching what happens on September 23, because this is not just a battle between airlines, but one of America's biggest attempts to control the world with the power of the dollar.
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