United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday that all Iranian airlines could be effectively grounded worldwide starting Wednesday, September 23. The U.S. is threatening foreign companies that continue to service Iranian carriers with secondary sanctions, potentially cutting them off from the U.S. dollar system.

This move represents a significant escalation of the Trump administration's economic pressure campaign against Tehran, which is ongoing alongside the U.S.-Iran war. The sanctions are designed to isolate Iran from the international financial system and cripple its key industries.

"On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," Bessent told CNBC. He clarified that the threat extends beyond the airlines themselves to include airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies, and any other businesses that facilitate their international operations. "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," Bessent stated.

The implications of these sanctions could be severe for Iran's already struggling aviation sector. Years of existing U.S. sanctions have already made it difficult for Iranian airlines to acquire new aircraft, spare parts, and essential maintenance services. This new wave of pressure threatens to halt their international operations entirely.

Earlier in September, the U.S. Treasury Department had already imposed sanctions on Iranian airlines not previously targeted, as well as foreign companies accused of supporting the country's aviation sector. These actions are part of a broader strategy to increase economic isolation.

Bessent's comments followed discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of an anticipated meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China is a crucial economic partner and diplomatic ally for Iran, making Beijing's compliance with U.S. sanctions potentially significant. Bessent indicated that Chinese officials had been "very engaged" in the U.S. pressure campaign and that "positive talks" were held with Chinese financial authorities regarding compliance.

The U.S. secondary sanctions mechanism targets foreign companies that engage in business with Iran across various sectors, including energy, shipping, technology, gold, and digital assets, threatening them with penalties of their own.

This intensified economic warfare comes as the U.S. and Iran remain in a state of conflict, raising further concerns about regional stability and the impact on global trade and travel.