BANGKOK: The United States has threatened to cut foreign service providers off from the dollar-based financial system as it intensifies sanctions aimed at halting Iranian airlines’ international operations worldwide from September 23, 2026.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview on Monday (September 21), reported in Asia on Tuesday, that Iranian carriers would face a global shutdown from Wednesday. He warned that airports and foreign companies continuing to provide services could lose access to the dollar system.
The warning covers services supporting take-offs and landings, ticket sales and bookings, refuelling and other aviation support. It is intended to pressure overseas businesses to stop servicing Iranian airlines.
Earlier in September, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously been designated, alongside companies outside Iran accused of supporting the country’s aviation sector.
Iranian aviation has faced US sanctions for years, restricting carriers’ ability to acquire new aircraft, obtain spare parts and access maintenance services. The latest measures extend pressure to foreign businesses that help keep Iranian airlines operating internationally.
The measures form part of a broader sanctions campaign aimed at isolating Iran from the international financial system. Through secondary sanctions, Washington can also penalise foreign companies conducting certain business with sanctioned Iranian entities, rather than restricting only US companies. The wider campaign covers sectors including energy, shipping, technology, gold and digital assets.
In Thailand, attention is on Mahan Air (W5), the Iranian full-service carrier serving Bangkok and Phuket. Airports of Thailand lists the airline at both Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports.
The routes identified in the supplied report connect Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran. The Wall Street Journal has also reported on Mahan Air’s Tehran–Phuket service.
The threatened restrictions could affect Iranian airlines’ international services, including connections with Thailand. However, any specific changes to Mahan Air’s flights will need to be confirmed through announcements from the airline and relevant authorities. - The Nation/ANN
