US Threatens Global Financial Cutoff for Businesses Dealing With Iran Air

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed 36 new sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector, coupled with a severe warning to the global financial and business community. Companies providing services to Iranian airlines risk being disconnected from the global financial system, including U.S. credit card networks like Visa and the U.S.-dominated international banking system.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated that under "Operation Economic Blacklist," severe consequences await those providing financial lifelines to the Iranian regime. He explicitly warned businesses dealing with remaining Iranian airlines, all of which are now under sanctions, that they risk disconnection from global finance.

This move is part of an escalating pressure campaign on Tehran amid ongoing Middle East tensions. The sanctions aim to ground Mahan Air and extend restrictions to all airlines operating within Iran. They target networks of intermediaries, shell companies, cargo forwarders, and alternative shipping routes in Turkey, the UAE, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, which Washington claims Iran used to acquire U.S.-made aircraft and sensitive technologies.

Additionally, the U.S. has revoked permits for foreign airlines to fly over Iran and ended exemptions that allowed the supply of spare parts and fuel. Experts believe this economic blockade will severely impact air traffic and trade, representing a significant expansion of the economic war with expected consequences for civilian travel, commerce, supply chains, and Iran's ability to support its struggling economy.

This action comes as Iran faces a severe economic crisis, including fuel shortages, difficulties exporting oil, and a collapsing currency, with Iranian officials acknowledging increasing struggles to withstand U.S. economic pressure.