The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has issued a stark warning that companies engaging with Iranian airlines could face American sanctions. His remarks were shared via social media platform X.
Bessent emphasized that foreign governments must take necessary actions to prevent companies within their jurisdiction from providing services to these airlines, including fuel, catering, landing fees, and maintenance.
“As part of the ‘Economic Fury’ policy, the U.S. Treasury will exert maximum pressure on Iran and will not hesitate to act against any third parties facilitating or conducting business with Iranian entities,” he stated.
This announcement follows Iran’s recent declaration of resuming commercial flights.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, the capital of Iran. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had initiated a “major combat operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The objective of the military operation, according to Trump, is to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, ensuring global stability.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones towards Israel and conducted attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is just to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the launch of what it termed the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response.”
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, mentioning he had several candidates for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
On March 26, Trump announced a suspension of attacks on Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in negotiations, he extended the deadline by 20 hours to the evening of April 7.
Trump threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran, warning of severe consequences for the Iranian people and potential regional instability.
On April 6, Iran presented a 10-point plan to the U.S. and Israel for ending the conflict through Pakistan.
On April 7, Trump indicated he would delay bombings of Iran and postpone a “devastating attack” for two weeks if the Strait of Hormuz was reopened. He stated that the ceasefire would be mutual and that Iran’s 10-point proposal was an acceptable basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi remarked that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks is possible “with coordination with Iran’s armed forces and considering technical limitations.”
On April 25, it was reported that Trump canceled a trip for U.S. Special Representative Wittecoff and his son-in-law Kushner to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran. Earlier, the White House had asserted that “the Iranians themselves requested negotiations.”
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that businesses collaborating with Iranian airlines may face sanctions, coinciding with heightened military tensions in the region. Recent military actions by Israel and the U.S. against Iran have escalated the situation, prompting international responses and discussions regarding regional stability.