US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announces global shutdown of Iranian airlines due to sanctions

Iran's aviation sector faces a global shutdown as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on September 21, 2026, that all Iranian airlines would cease operations starting September 23, 2026. This decision follows intensified US sanctions aimed at crippling Iran's economy amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. As a result, many international flights have been canceled, while some routes to China remain operational despite the sanctions. The situation has raised concerns about the future of travel for Iranians and the broader implications for the country's economy.