Scott Bessent Says All Iranian Airlines Will Be 'Shut Down' Worldwide by Wednesday, Warns Foreign Firms: 'You Will Be Knocked Out of the Dollar System'

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines will be "shut down" worldwide by Wednesday as the Trump administration escalates economic pressure on Tehran.

Bessent Threatens Dollar System Ban

During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Monday, Bessent said that Iranian airlines will be shut down. “If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel,” Bessent said.

“You cannot provide them with landing services; you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” he added.

He then said that the U.S. had already taken some measures in the form of sanctions against “enablers throughout the world.”

The Treasury Secretary then said the U.S. had sanctioned the “second largest bank in Egypt” after its Dubai branch “funneled more than $1.8 billion” into the Iranian government, and that the bank will be “closed down.”

“The 30th largest Turkish bank, same thing. They will be closed down,” he said. Bessent also mentioned a bank in Russia, which was the “second largest Russian bank,” accusing its external branches of “doing the same thing [aiding Iran],” Bessent said.

He then said that the U.S. was also in touch with Chinese authorities, who have been “very engaged” in the process. “With many countries, having quiet behind-the-scenes discussions are better than having a public display,” Bessent said.

Iran Aviation

Iran has several airlines besides the national flag-carrier airline, Iran Air. Other airlines in the country include the privately owned Mahan Air, as well as AVA Airlines and more.

Iran’s largest airport is the Imam Khomenei International Airport in Tehran. According to Iranian government data, 7.6 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2024.

According to a statement released by the Treasury on September 8, the U.S. sanctioned 27 airlines in Iran under E.O. 13902, issued by Trump in 2020, which imposes sanctions on persons operating in designated sectors of the Iranian economy.

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