U.S. seeks to shut down Iranian airlines starting Wednesday
by Susan Ferrechio · The Washington TimesThe U.S. this week will begin imposing strict sanctions on any country that allows Iran to refuel or service its airplanes — a move U.S. officials said will cripple Iranian air travel.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the move Monday during an interview on CNBC.
“On September 23 all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Mr. Bessent told the network.
He said Washington would carry out the plan by cutting off countries from U.S. currency if they service or refuel Iranian airplanes.
“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,” Mr. Bessent said.
In response to Mr. Bessent’s announcement, Turkey said it will no longer accept Iranian planes at its airports.
The move is part of a broader sanctioning plan aimed at stopping Iran’s “enablers,” Mr. Bessent said, who have funneled money into the regime and allowed it to prolong the war with the U.S. The U.S. has sanctioned three banks, including the second-largest bank in Egypt and a Turkish bank.
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Susan Ferrechio
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