The United States has announced plans to tighten pressure on Iran by targeting Iranian airlines and expanding sanctions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, as tensions between the two countries continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that Washington would move to block Iranian airlines from accessing landing slots, refuelling services and ticket sales.
In a post on X, Bessent warned that only a successful outcome in negotiations would prevent further escalation between the two sides.
He did not specify which airlines would be affected, though Iran’s national carrier Iran Air and privately owned Mahan Air have previously faced US sanctions and restrictions.
The latest announcement followed new sanctions introduced by the US Treasury against Iran’s
Arabian Gulf Strait Authority, the agency responsible for collecting transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has remained effectively closed by Tehran following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
The disruption has contributed to rising global energy prices in recent months.
Although a ceasefire between US and Iranian forces has been in place since April 8, tensions remain high as diplomatic negotiations continue alongside periodic military exchanges.
Reports on Thursday said both countries carried out new strikes despite the fragile truce.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global energy supplies, with a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments passing through the narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.
The latest developments have increased concerns over regional stability and the potential impact on global fuel prices and international trade.
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