Iranian airlines to be 'shut down': US warns of new pressure tactic amid Middle East conflict

Scott Bessent, in an interview, explained that the US' new measures will target fueling, landing services, and ticketing operations for Iranian airlines.

Updated on: Sep 22, 2026, 11:37:58 IST

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As global concerns run high amid nearly seven months of the conflict in the Middle East, the US is intensifying its pressure tactics on Iran. US treasury secretary Scott Bessent warned that all Iranian airlines will face a shutdown starting Wednesday, September 23.

In an interview with CNBC, Bessent explained that the measures will target fuelling, landing services, and ticketing operations for Iranian airlines.

"How do we do that? That if they land, you cannot provide them with fuel. You cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system," the US treasury secretary said in the interview.

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He emphasised that the US is now exerting pressure on Iran "like never before."

Araghchi in New York for UN General Assembly

Bessent's statements come as Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York, leading Tehran's diplomatic delegation at the annual session of the UN General Assembly, the Iranian foreign ministry said.

"In addition to participating in discussions on various items on the UN General Assembly’s agenda and presenting the Islamic Republic of Iran’s positions, the foreign minister will hold talks and consultations with a large number of officials and foreign ministers attending the session," the ministry said in the statement.

Furthermore, Araghchi held a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

According to the Iranian ministry, during the telephonic conversation, the two sides exchanged views on issues on the agenda of the UNGA and Guterres' efforts to advance international peace and security.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard issues warning

A spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Mohebbi, issued a stark warning on Monday that Tehran would "change the geography of the war" if the Middle East conflict escalates, according to a report by Iran International.

The spokesperson also warned that Iran would use weapons it has not yet deployed.

"If a new aggression occurs, we will certainly change the weaponry and the geography of the war," the report quoted Mohebbi as saying.

US-Iran war

On February 28 earlier this year, the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran.

In response, Tehran carried out retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli interests in the region and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, sparking concerns over regional security and skyrocketing energy prices.

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