Story perspectives

Treasury Orders Worldwide Shutdown of Iranian Airlines

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 11:53 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a worldwide shutdown of Iranian airlines on September 23, 2026.
Bessent warned foreign fuel, landing and ticket providers could lose U.S. dollar system access.
Iraq will suspend Iranian flights, Georgia barred carriers, and Mahan halted Turkey service.
He Lifeng and PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng were described as very engaged in sanctions talks.

History

Historical Context

Since the 1979 revolution, the United States and the European Union have layered sanctions on Iran, and the 2012 sanctions helped shrink Iran’s GDP by about 3 % that year. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s September 23 2026 shutdown revives that pressure, again threatening Iranian airlines and regional travel and its broader aviation network.

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Story summary

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a worldwide shutdown of Iranian airlines on September 23, 2026.
Bessent warned foreign fuel, landing and ticket providers could lose U.S. dollar system access.
Iraq will suspend Iranian flights, Georgia barred carriers, and Mahan halted Turkey service.
He Lifeng and PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng were described as very engaged in sanctions talks.

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