US Treasury Reports Regional Aviation and Banking Measures Against Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Saturday that enforcement teams deployed globally have driven foreign governments to enact targeted restrictions against Iranian financial and aviation interests. Bessent reported that international outreach, including direct discussions with officials from more than 50 nations, has accelerated measures aimed at isolating Tehran's financial lifelines.

Regional authorities implemented coordinated aviation and regulatory curbs. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority suspended all flights operated by Iranian carriers to and from the UAE until further notice, while Turkey and Oman halted flights operated by private carrier Mahan Air. Concurrently, the Central Bank of the UAE placed regulatory restrictions on local branches of Iran's Bank Melli citing compliance violations relating to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and proliferation.

In banking enforcement, Turkey's regulatory authorities revoked the operating license of Iran's Bank Mellat. Bessent reiterated that Washington will strictly apply secondary sanctions globally, warning that any company providing ground handling, refueling, or ticketing services to Iranian airlines risks total exclusion from the US dollar clearing system.

Roya News reported that despite expanding enforcement across Europe and the Middle East, smaller Iranian airlines continue operating select international routes, notably to China, which has declined to comply with Washington's unilateral pressure campaign.