United States imposes global aviation sanctions on Iran amid rising regional tensions

Beginning September 23, 2026, the United States implemented sweeping sanctions targeting the Iranian aviation sector, effectively aiming to ground all Iranian airlines globally. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any entity providing fuel, landing services, or ticket sales to Iranian carriers would face exclusion from the U.S. dollar system. The move follows an earlier U.S. crackdown on the Turkish Golden Global Yatırım Bankası, accused of facilitating financial transactions for Iranian interests.

In response to the U.S. policy, several airlines, including Turkish Airlines, AJet, and Pegasus, suspended operations to Iran, with some bookings unavailable until March 2027. The United Arab Emirates also confirmed an indefinite suspension of flights by Iranian carriers. While Iran Air initially denied receiving official notifications regarding these flight bans, the practical impact has been significant, forcing widespread cancellations. Meanwhile, the region faces additional instability, including ongoing hostility between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces in Yemen.

General Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has threatened that Tehran will retaliate by disrupting the operations of airports in neighboring countries that comply with the U.S. sanctions. The U.S. government maintains that these measures are part of an "Operation Economic Outcast" campaign designed to escalate pressure on Tehran following a period of heightened military conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and the Islamic Republic.