The United States is preparing fresh measures against Iran that would block Iranian airlines from accessing international landing slots, refueling services, and ticket sales, as Washington steps up pressure on Tehran over the continuing crisis around the Strait of Hormuz.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the move on Thursday through a post on X, saying the restrictions are part of broader efforts to intensify economic pressure on Iran and push for a resolution to ongoing negotiations.
Bessent said the US would move to cut off Iranian airlines from key aviation services, though he did not identify the carriers involved. Iran’s national carrier, Iran Air, has previously faced action from the US State Department, while Mahan Air has also been sanctioned by Washington in the past.
While outlining the restrictions, Bessent clarified during a later press briefing that humanitarian and religious travel would still be allowed. He said Iranian citizens traveling for pilgrimages to Mecca or Medina would not face restrictions, and exceptions would also remain in place for valid humanitarian cases.
The announcement comes shortly after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on Iran’s newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority, an agency created by Tehran to oversee and collect transit fees from ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway has remained heavily disrupted since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28. Tehran has effectively tightened control over the route, leading to major disruptions in global energy flows and a sharp rise in fuel prices worldwide.
Although a ceasefire between American and Iranian forces has technically been in place since April 8, tensions remain fragile. Diplomatic negotiations are continuing, but both sides exchanged fresh strikes on Thursday, adding to fears of another escalation in the region.
