New US Pressure on Iran's Aviation Sector

US imposes fresh pressure on Iran’s aviation sector amid ongoing conflict, effectively closing most access to landing, refuelling, and ticket sales for Iranian airlines. According to Al Arabiya, on Friday, 29 May 2026, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the move as part of an ongoing ‘economic wrath campaign’ against the Iranian regime. In his statement, Bessent referenced Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s crude oil exports, saying: ‘Their soldiers are not paid, police are not reporting for duty, and Kharg Island is closed.’ The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on what Bessent called ‘Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority’, describing it as a ‘joke’. He warned corporations and countries against paying tolls to Iran or disguising payments as aid. ‘We have warned any corporate or national entity not to pay tolls or hide them as aid payments,’ he stated. Bessent also highlighted the impact of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, noting that Iran’s crude oil stocks at sea have hit record lows. ‘We will also close access for Iranian airlines to landing sites, refuelling, and ticket sales,’ he added. He stated that progress in negotiations would halt the pressure on Iran’s aviation sector, with satisfactory results reducing US pressure. ‘Only satisfactory outcomes in negotiations will end this ongoing decline,’ he said. However, exceptions are made for religious travel: Iranian citizens flying to Mecca or Medina in Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah will be permitted, with limited exemptions for religious reasons. ‘We will not restrict movement for religious reasons, so Iranians wishing to visit Mecca or Medina will be allowed,’ Bessent stressed. ‘Humanitarian reasons will also be permitted,’ he added. While Bessent did not specify which Iranian airlines are targeted, Iran Air and Mahan Air have long been subject to US State Department sanctions. During a press conference, Bessent labelled Iranian state-owned airlines as ‘lawbreakers’ and warned that any entity supporting them would face sanctions. ‘When these airlines operate, they require refuelling, ticket sales, and landing fees. Anyone receiving these services will be sanctioned,’ he explained. ‘Thus, it must be clear that Iranian state-owned airlines are lawbreakers and cannot operate,’ Bessent added. The US sanctions effectively warn companies that continued payments to Iran could lead to disconnection from the global financial system. It is worth noting that the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February 2026, resulting in the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated by targeting US military facilities across the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Israel and US forces in the Middle East. Currently, the US and Iran are in a ceasefire, but peace talks have yet to reach a permanent resolution, with cross-border attacks continuing.