On September 23, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, a US Treasury wind-down authorization expires, effectively grounding Iran's international aviation network. This follows the September 8 launch of Operation Economic Outcast by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines and nine supporting entities.
The sanctions suspend general licenses that previously permitted aviation activities, including emergency repairs, temporary landings, and overflight payments. Consequently, fuel suppliers, maintenance providers, insurers, and banks face secondary sanctions if they engage in transactions with the designated carriers.
The policy stems from an August 24, 2026, determination under Executive Order 13902. By September 2026, Iranian carriers operated 27 international routes across 11 countries. Mahan Air, the largest private carrier, began suspending flights to Turkey and Oman in mid-September.
Georgia initiated compliance with the framework on September 21, 2026, by suspending operations of sanctioned Iranian carriers. The new rules also affect foreign airlines transiting Iranian airspace, as previous licenses for overflight fees are now suspended, necessitating alternative routing or specific OFAC authorization.
