The United States has announced sweeping new measures targeting Iran's commercial aviation sector, warning that Iranian airlines will effectively be unable to operate internationally from 23 September under the threat of secondary sanctions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said foreign companies that continue to provide services to Iranian airlines risk losing access to the US financial system.

Bessent said airports and aviation service providers would no longer be permitted to refuel Iranian aircraft, provide landing or ground-handling services, or sell tickets for Iranian carriers without facing secondary sanctions.

"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 said.

Pressure on third-party companies

Bessent said Washington would intensify pressure on companies and intermediaries that assist Iran's aviation sector.

"We've seen those helping them around the world. We know who they are, and we're putting an end to it," he said, adding that the United States is closely monitoring networks facilitating financial transactions with Iran.

Talks with China

The Treasury secretary also said US officials have held discussions with Chinese financial authorities, including People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, regarding compliance with sanctions on Iran.

Chinese authorities have not publicly confirmed the discussions.

Part of broader sanctions campaign

The latest announcement follows the US Treasury's decision earlier this month to impose sanctions on 36 entities supporting Iran's aviation sector, including airlines, front companies and foreign intermediaries accused of helping Tehran obtain aircraft, technology and aviation services.

The measures form part of Washington's broader campaign to increase economic pressure on Iran by targeting sectors viewed as providing financial or logistical support to the Iranian government. (ILKHA)