US Sanctions Ground Iranian Airlines Across Middle East and Central Asia

The United States imposed secondary sanctions on September 8 targeting 36 individuals and entities linked to Iran's aviation sector, warning foreign airports and fuel suppliers they risk losing access to the dollar system if they service Iranian aircraft. A transition period expired on September 24, triggering immediate suspensions.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority halted all Iranian airline flights indefinitely, cutting off Dubai — a major transit hub with multiple daily Iranian flights and extensive commercial ties. Iraq redirected Iranian flights to Najaf airport, while Oman, Georgia and Azerbaijan also closed their airspace to Iranian carriers.

“If a country cooperates with the United States or embarks on adventures alongside it, its airports will no longer be able to operate flights to Iran.”

Turkmenistan closed its airspace to Iranian aircraft without public notice, forcing a Tehran-Dushanbe flight to turn back after takeoff when pilots learned mid-air that overflight permission was denied; Azerbaijan also refused a reroute request.

Turkey and Oman suspended flights by Mahan Air, Iran's largest private carrier already under US sanctions since 2011. The UAE central bank also blocked transactions by Bank Melli branches over anti-money-laundering violations, and Turkey revoked the Iranian bank's license last week.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei warned neighboring states that cooperation with US sanctions would mean their airports "will no longer be able to operate flights" to Iran. Armenia remains the only regional gateway still open to Iranian carriers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said enforcement teams deployed to over 50 countries are "getting results," citing the rial's fall to historic lows as evidence. He previously vowed all Iranian airlines "will be shut down worldwide."

The aviation restrictions compound an existing US naval blockade of Iranian ports and follow Iran's February airspace closure during hostilities with the US and Israel. Analysts say Washington cannot legally close foreign airspace but achieves similar effect by targeting ground services and fuel suppliers.