Bessent unveils sanctions targeting Iran airlines in latest ‘economic D-Day’ tactic

Published September 8, 2026 3:19pm ET | Updated September 8, 2026 3:19pm ET



The Trump administration on Tuesday unveiled 36 sanctions targeting Iranian-linked airlines and foreign firms tied to the country’s aviation sector, marking its latest effort to topple Iran through “economic D-Day.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines and nine other entities or companies across the world that the United States believes Iran is using to obtain material support to prop up its government. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned several firms based in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates for helping Iran’s Mahan Air secure at least three Boeing B-777 aircraft this summer that had been retired elsewhere. It also sanctioned a Malaysian-based firm that serviced Mahan Air’s international flights and coordinated cargo shipments, among other actions.

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