US treasury chief says Washington to halt Iran airlines’ access to landing spots until deal signed

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says that the United States will halt Iranian airlines’ access to landing spots, among other measures, as Washington pushes to intensify pressure on Tehran and open the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Bessent says Washington will “be shutting down both Iranian airlines’ access to landing spots, refueling, and ticket sales,” without providing further details.

“Only a satisfactory outcome in negotiations will end the downward spiral,” he warns.

Bessent does not specify which airlines he was referring to, although Tehran’s flag carrier Iran Air has previously been designated by the US State Department, while Iran’s Mahan Air has also been targeted by sanctions.

But he clarifies at a press briefing that the United States is not going to “restrict movement for religious reasons, so Iranians who want to make the pilgrimage to Mecca or Medina will be allowed.”

“We will also allow valid humanitarian reasons,” he says.