US Reports Progress on Iran Isolation as UAE Restricts Flights and Banking Links

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on September 26 that US efforts to diplomatically and economically isolate Iran have begun producing concrete results, according to an AFP report published by Lao Dong. Bessent stated on social media platform X that working teams dispatched worldwide to demand foreign action against Tehran are achieving outcomes across aviation and banking sectors.

In the aviation sector, Bessent noted that the United Arab Emirates suspended all operations by Iranian airlines. Dubai serves as a major commercial node for Iranian carriers, handling multiple daily flights and supporting a large resident Iranian community and business network. Additionally, Turkey and Oman have ceased accepting flights operated by Iranian private airline Mahan Air.

While Bessent previously stated that all Iranian airlines would be closed globally, smaller Iranian carriers continue to operate international services, particularly routes to China. According to the report, China has refused to make concessions under US pressure regarding these air connections.

In financial services, US officials highlighted regulatory actions taken by regional authorities. On September 23, the Central Bank of the UAE blocked incoming and outgoing transactions with Iran conducted through local branches of Bank Melli, alleging violations of anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and anti-proliferation legislation. Separately, Turkey revoked the banking license of Bank Mellat, a long-sanctioned Iranian semi-private lender.