Washington (HRNW)- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said American sanctions have severely disrupted Iran’s international air connections, claiming that more than 80 to 90 percent of external flights from Iran have been shut down. He also questioned how the Iranian delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York would return home.
Bessent made the remarks while discussing the Trump administration’s “Operation Economic Outcast,” an economic pressure campaign targeting Iran’s financial and commercial networks. The figure regarding flight disruptions represents Bessent’s assessment and has not been independently verified in full.
The US Treasury has recently expanded sanctions against Iran’s aviation sector, designating airlines and other entities it says support Iran’s aviation and procurement networks. Washington has also warned companies providing services such as fuel, ground handling, ticketing, or other assistance to Iranian carriers that they could face US sanctions.
The sanctions have already disrupted some international routes. Reports said flights involving Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Oman, and Qatar were affected, although some international connections—including services to China—continued operating.
The Iranian delegation is in New York for the UN General Assembly after the United States granted visas to President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and other members of the delegation, while imposing restrictions on their movement during their stay.
Iran continues to maintain air links with a limited number of countries despite the sanctions, while China and Russia have opposed unilateral US measures against Tehran’s aviation sector. The latest restrictions have nevertheless placed additional pressure on Iranian airlines and their ability to operate internationally.
The development comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with economic sanctions, restrictions on transportation, and diplomatic efforts all unfolding alongside the wider US-Iran confrontation.
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