US Threatens New Sanctions on Iran Airlines and Warns Oman Over Strait of Hormuz Tolls
The United States has announced plans to tighten pressure on Iran by targeting the international operations of Iranian airlines and warning Oman against supporting Tehran’s controversial toll system in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would restrict Iranian airlines from accessing global aviation services as tensions between the two countries continue despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
US to Restrict Iranian Airlines
In a statement posted on X, Bessent said the United States would move to block Iranian airlines from accessing landing rights, refueling services, and ticket sales networks.
“We will be shutting down both Iranian airlines’ access to landing spots, refueling, and ticket sales,” Bessent wrote.
The Treasury Secretary did not specifically identify the airlines involved. However, Iran’s national carrier, Iran Air, and privately operated Mahan Air have both previously faced U.S. sanctions and international scrutiny.
Despite the new restrictions, Bessent clarified that humanitarian and religious travel would still be permitted.
The Treasury Secretary said Iranians traveling for pilgrimage purposes to Mecca or Medina would not face movement restrictions. He also confirmed that humanitarian-related travel exemptions would remain in place.
Washington Warns Oman Over Hormuz Toll System
The latest warning also extended to Oman, which could face sanctions if it participates in Iran’s newly established tolling system for ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway remains one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, handling a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Iran’s newly formed “Persian Gulf Strait Authority,” accusing Tehran of attempting to pressure international maritime trade through transit fees.
American officials claim the new system is part of Iran’s effort to leverage control over regional shipping lanes during ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Continues to Impact Global Energy Markets
Iran effectively restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year.
The conflict, which began on February 28, disrupted commercial shipping and contributed to a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Although a ceasefire has technically remained in place since April 8, tensions continue to simmer across the Gulf region.
On Thursday, U.S. and Iranian forces reportedly exchanged fresh strikes despite diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a broader settlement.
Negotiations Continue Despite Escalating Pressure
Diplomatic talks involving the United States, Iran, and regional mediators — including Pakistan — are ongoing as both sides attempt to negotiate an end to the crisis.
However, Washington’s latest sanctions threats indicate the U.S. is prepared to increase economic and political pressure if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory agreement.
Bessent warned that “only a satisfactory outcome in negotiations will end the downward spiral,” underscoring the fragile state of relations between Washington and Tehran.
With shipping disruptions, military incidents, and sanctions continuing to escalate, the situation in the Gulf remains highly volatile.
