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The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced, the suspension of flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country, effective Thursday, September 24, until further notice.
The decision was made in light of the US ban imposed on Iranian airlines from using airports around the world, the GCAA clarified, adding that it will continue to keep the relevant authorities and the public informed of any developments as they arise, pending the resumption of normal air traffic between the two countries.
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Iranian airlines ‘shut down’
Earlier this week, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines will have trouble functioning globally from September 23 under the weight of American sanctions—as the US administration seeks to keep pressure on Tehran.
On September 23, “all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent told CNBC in an interview. “If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” he added.
Iran’s aviation sector has long grappled with sanctions, which have restricted its ability to acquire aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services.
The United States and Iran have been at war since late February, when US-Israeli strikes killed the Islamic republic’s supreme leader and senior military officials at the start of a broad offensive.
Tehran countered by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for energy transit, causing global oil prices to surge as the conflict spread in the Middle East.
The United States imposed sanctions on “all remaining Iranian airlines” that had yet to face such penalties. The Treasury Department also took aim at targets for supporting Iran’s aviation sector, including firms based outside Iran.
Bessent previously vowed the United States would declare “economic D-Day” on Iran and pledged to choke off Tehran financially. His comments came a day after he met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic talks laying the groundwork for President Donald Trump’s summit this Thursday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
China is one of Iran’s top economic partners and diplomatic backers.
Source: Khaleej Times