US Threatens Global Grounding of Iranian Airlines with Secondary Sanctions

The ultimatum targets the entire aviation ecosystem, extending beyond airlines to include fuel suppliers, ground crews, and ticketing agencies. Bessent outlined the enforcement mechanism in a recent interview, clarifying that any entity providing landing services or refueling to Iranian aircraft will be effectively cut off from American capital markets. This move represents a sharp escalation in the economic campaign led by President Donald Trump, aiming to isolate the Islamic Republic as the conflict enters its seventh month.

Countries are already shifting their policies in response to the Treasury’s pressure. Iraqi officials confirmed a suspension of Iranian flight operations, while Georgia has closed its airspace to the carriers. Mahan Air, a major Iranian operator, recently halted its routes to Turkey following a government request. These developments deepen the crisis for an aviation sector already crippled by long-standing bans on spare parts and maintenance services.

This tightening of the economic noose follows high-level meetings between Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, setting the stage for a summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping. With China serving as a primary diplomatic and economic partner to Tehran, the compliance of Chinese firms remains a critical variable in the success of the U.S. strategy. The aviation restrictions coincide with broader military tensions that have persisted since the late February strikes, which initially prompted Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz.