US expands blockade against Iran to aviation sector

The United States has extended its pressure campaign against the regime ruling Iran to the aviation sector. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that companies providing fuel or landing services to Iranian aircraft risk losing access to the U.S. dollar system. Washington asserts that Iranian commercial airlines have been utilized to transport weapons and military personnel.

The new measures, which took effect Wednesday, have already resulted in flight cancellations. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization reported the cancellation of flights from Tehran to Baghdad and Muscat, while reports indicate that flights to Azerbaijan and Georgia have also been halted. Mahan Air stated it suspended flights to Turkey and Oman at the request of those nations.

While Washington seeks to choke off the international trade and aviation routes of the regime ruling Iran, China and Russia have resisted the pressure. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated it opposes unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law, and Iranian flights to destinations such as Guangzhou and Moscow continue to operate.

Analysts suggest these escalated sanctions could lead to the further isolation of Iran’s aviation fleet, though the continued service to China and Russia indicates that the attempt to establish a complete aerial blockade faces significant challenges. Previously, Washington sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines for their roles in the regime's aviation and military logistics network.