US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says American efforts to isolate Iran economically are producing results, as Washington increases pressure on the country’s banks and airlines.
Bessent said Saturday that he had sent US officials to countries around the world to push governments to take action against Iran. He said the campaign has focused on restricting Iranian financial institutions and airlines.
“At my direction, teams were dispatched across the globe to engage with countries and demand action against the Iranian regime,” Bessent said in a post on X. He added that the efforts were delivering results.
Iran Faces Growing Airline Restrictions
Bessent pointed to recent restrictions affecting Iranian airlines. Turkey and Oman have halted incoming flights operated by Mahan Air, while the United Arab Emirates has suspended flights by Iranian airlines.
The UAE is particularly important for Iran’s aviation sector. Dubai has long served as a major destination for Iranian carriers. The city also has a large Iranian community and strong commercial ties with businesses in Iran.
The latest measures could make international travel more difficult for Iranian passengers. They could also affect trade and business links between Iran and the Gulf.
Bessent said earlier this week that the United States wanted Iranian airlines to be shut down internationally. However, smaller Iranian carriers continue to operate some overseas routes.
China remains an important exception. Several Iranian airlines continue to serve Chinese destinations as Beijing has resisted US pressure to isolate Tehran.
US Expands Pressure on Iranian Banks
The US campaign also includes financial restrictions. Bessent highlighted recent action involving Iranian banks operating in the region.
On Wednesday, the UAE central bank blocked transactions involving branches of Iran’s Bank Melli. The UAE said the move was linked to concerns over money laundering, terrorism financing and arms proliferation.
Turkey also took action last week. Its authorities revoked the license of Iran’s Bank Mellat, a semi-private institution that has faced Western sanctions for years.
The banking restrictions could further limit Iran’s access to regional financial networks. They also increase pressure on companies and financial institutions that maintain business relationships with Iranian banks.
Treasury Pushes Global Economic Pressure
A Wall Street Journal report shared by Bessent said Jonathan Burke, the Treasury Department’s assistant secretary for terrorist financing, had traveled across the Middle East and Europe.
According to the report, Burke spent two weeks meeting officials as Washington sought broader international support for its campaign against Iran. The Treasury Department has reportedly held discussions with officials in more than 50 countries.
Bessent has described the campaign as an effort to impose what he calls “economic D-Day” on Tehran.
The measures come as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high. Washington is seeking greater international cooperation, while Tehran continues to reject US pressure and has called for a diplomatic solution.
For now, the impact of the campaign remains uneven. Several countries have introduced restrictions, but Iran continues to maintain some international airline connections, particularly with China.
