The United States Treasury announced on Sept. 21 that fresh restrictions would "shut down" Iranian carriers and penalise any foreign entities that provide them with fuel, landing services or ticket sales. The measures are part of a broader effort, described by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as an "economic D‑Day" aimed at pressuring Tehran following its seven‑month war with Israel.
A Tehran‑based travel agent, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that flights to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia and Azerbaijan were suspended immediately after the sanctions took effect. The agent added that the situation remained unstable, prompting the agency to stop selling tickets for fear of further cancellations.
Despite the crackdown, some routes continued to operate. Flight‑tracking data showed a Mahan Air Boeing 747 departing Tehran for Guangzhou, China, on the day the sanctions began, and a scheduled flight to Shanghai was still listed by Tehran’s international airport. Smaller Iranian airlines such as Varesh were also expected to maintain services to Turkey, Armenia, Najaf in Iraq and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
China publicly opposed the U.S. measures, calling them illegal on Sept. 22, while Iraqi officials indicated that Baghdad would likely comply with the ban on Iranian flights. Travel agents in Najaf warned that the suspension could disrupt pilgrim traffic, as many Iranian travelers rely on flights to the Iraqi holy city.
The new sanctions add to a decade‑long U.S. campaign against Iran’s aviation industry, but their full impact remains uncertain. Observers note that compliance by third‑party countries will determine how effectively the restrictions can limit Iranian airlines’ ability to operate internationally.