US Treasury Claims Success of Campaign to Isolate Iran

“ Por my determination, teams were sent around the world to discuss with countries and demand measures against the Iranian regime,” wrote Scott Bessent on social network X on Saturday. “These efforts are bearing fruit,” he added.

Bessent cited the suspension of flights from the Iranian private company Mahan Air by Turkey and Oman, as well as the interruption of all flights from Iranian companies via the United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi had announced this measure on Thursday to comply with the new US sanctions aimed at the Iranian air sector.

Bessent also highlighted measures against Iranian banks.

On Wednesday, the Central Bank of the Emirates banned State Bank Melli’s agencies from conducting any transaction with Iran, accusing them, among other things, of violating the laws against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Following the launch of Operation Economic Outcast, @USTreasury imposed targeted financial measures against banks and aviation service providers. At my direction, teams were dispatched across the globe to engage with countries and demand action against the Iranian regime.

These..

— Treasure Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) September 26, 2026

Last week, the banking regulator of Turkey revoked the license of the bank Mellat in the country, invoking a provision of the banking law on the stability of the financial system.

Undersecretary of the Treasury responsible for combating terrorist financing, Jonathan Burke, conducted a two-week trip through the Middle East and Europe, and the US Treasury held talks with more than 50 countries, according to the American daily Wall Street Journal.

The United States sanctioned Iran's air sector in early September, and warned foreign companies that they would suffer consequences if they provided assistance.

Bessent announced on 21 September that the companies had three days to take measures accordingly.

However, small Iranian companies continue to operate flights abroad, especially to China, which refuses to yield to American pressure.

On Friday, Iran warned that the countries of the region should ensure the operations of Iranian airlines to maintain the same privileges.

“ Our strategy on this is clear: flights in the region must be open to everyone, or no one,” said Mohammad Mokhber, adviser to the Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Najaf airport in Iraq also announced on Friday the suspension of links with Iran, citing “official guidelines” of the competent Iranian authorities, although without making explicit mention of Washington sanctions.

Tehran airport director Ramin Kashef-Azar told the official Iranian news agency IRNA that flights from local companies to various destinations, including China, Armenia, Russia, Southeast Asia and Turkey, were maintained.