The United States is stepping up economic pressure on Iran, warning that Iranian airlines could effectively be shut out of international aviation from Wednesday.
Speaking to an American News Channel, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that all Iranian airlines would be “shut down around the world” from September 23 as a result of US economic sanctions.
He warned that foreign companies providing services such as fuel, landing facilities or ticket sales to Iranian carriers could also face US sanctions. The move is part of Washington’s broader “Operation Economic Outcast”, aimed at restricting Iran’s access to international financial and commercial networks.
At the same time, diplomatic activity around the conflict is likely to be in focus this week in New York, where the 81st UN General Assembly is under way. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to travel to New York on Tuesday as per Iranian state media reports, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already arrived.
There are also growing calls for direct Arab-Iranian dialogue. UAE President’s Diplomatic Adviser Dr Anwar Gargash has called for a “new mindset” in relations with Tehran, saying discussions on regional security should take place not only between Iran and the US but also between Iran and Arab states.
Qatar, meanwhile, has proposed greater economic interdependence between Iran and its Gulf neighbours as a way of supporting long-term regional stability and a way to guarantee security of Gulf States. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said that Qatar has been working to facilitate an agreement between Iran and the US.
In Yemen, Iran-aligned Houthi forces have been pushing to seize strategic highlands in an effort to cut off the Red Sea coast from areas held by the internationally recognised government in Yemen.
The developments follow reports that US President Donald Trump had called off planned American strikes on the Houthis at the last minute. Trump has said the US remains in contact with the group and that the Houthis have indicated they will not target US shipping.
The security situation around the Strait of Hormuz has also remained tense. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency has been monitoring a series of incidents involving commercial vessels in and around the waterway.
The latest reported incidents yesterday involved two tankers. One LPG tanker leaving the Strait was struck by debris from unidentified projectiles, while another tanker entering the Strait was reportedly hit by an unknown projectile. Two seafarers sustained minor injuries in one of the incidents. The incidents add to the pressure on commercial shipping through the waterway, where traffic has already fallen sharply amid the wider US-Iran conflict.
