US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that international pressure has deepened Iran's economic isolation, citing UAE flight suspensions and regional bank restrictions. The Central Bank of the UAE has barred local branches of Bank Melli Iran from conducting trade finance and fund transfers with Iran over compliance violations. Neighboring nations including Türkiye and Oman have also curtailed Iranian banking and aviation access following US diplomatic engagement.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that global diplomatic pressure has yielded restrictions on Iranian aviation and banking networks. The UAE has suspended all flights by Iranian airlines and blocked transactions via Bank Melli branches, while smaller Iranian carriers continue operating routes to China. Turkey and Oman have also halted flights from Mahan Air, and Turkey revoked Bank Mellat's operating license.
A report cited by UA.NEWS outlines how China balances regional energy security and substantial commercial assets in the GCC against the backdrop of US-Iran hostilities. While China has drawn down strategic petroleum reserves and mitigated gas shocks through pipelines and renewables, Gulf Cooperation Council members and Iraq remain its primary regional economic and energy partners.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that global enforcement efforts have prompted regional measures against Iranian banking and aviation sectors. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority suspended all Iranian carrier flights, while the Central Bank of the UAE implemented regulatory actions against local branches of Bank Melli. Authorities in Turkey and Oman also enacted flight and banking restrictions amid US warnings of secondary sanctions.
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