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

The United States said it will intensify pressure on Iran by taking steps that would effectively shut down Iranian airlines starting Wednesday, September 23. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that the measures would target fuel, landing services, and ticketing operations, warning that if airlines receive those services they could be cut out of the dollar-based system. The warning came as Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York to lead Tehran’s delegation to the UN General Assembly and held discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi also warned that Tehran would “change the geography of the war” if the Middle East conflict escalates, according to Iran International, adding that Iran could use weapons not yet deployed. Earlier in the year, U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on February 28, with Iran retaliating and tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz.