Story perspectives

U.S. imposes secondary sanctions halting Mahan Air flights

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 6:21 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Iran’s security council secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned Iran will target airports of states aiding U.S. sanctions on its airlines.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced secondary sanctions that halt Iranian carriers’ operations from Sept. 23, 2026.
Georgia and Azerbaijan officially confirmed suspending Iranian flights.
FlightRadar24 recorded a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Guangzhou and flights to Bangkok, Phuket, Shanghai, Kabul after the deadline.

History

Historical Context

In 2012, the United States Treasury Department imposed sweeping aviation sanctions on Iran, grounding Iran Air and Mahan Air flights. The sanctions froze $1.7 billion in Iranian airline assets and barred European Union carriers from Iranian airspace, affecting 12 scheduled routes. Similarly, in September 2026 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced secondary sanctions that compel Georgia and Azerbaijan to suspend Iranian flights, echoing the 2012 enforcement pattern. The recurring pressure forces Iran’s carriers to reroute via Asian hubs, sustaining a fragmented network that undermines regional connectivity and revenue.

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Story summary

Iran’s security council secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned Iran will target airports of states aiding U.S. sanctions on its airlines.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced secondary sanctions that halt Iranian carriers’ operations from Sept. 23, 2026.
Georgia and Azerbaijan officially confirmed suspending Iranian flights.
FlightRadar24 recorded a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Guangzhou and flights to Bangkok, Phuket, Shanghai, Kabul after the deadline.

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