The U.S. government has escalated its economic pressure on Iran by targeting the international operations of its aviation sector. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that foreign airports, ground handling companies, and fuel providers that service Iranian airlines may face severe consequences, including being cut off from the U.S. dollar-based financial system.

This policy, set to take effect on Wednesday, is designed to isolate Iranian carriers by making it difficult for them to land, refuel, or receive maintenance at international hubs. By threatening access to the U.S. dollar—the primary currency for global trade—the Treasury aims to force international businesses to choose between maintaining ties with Iranian aviation or retaining access to the American market.

While the U.S. frames this as a necessary measure to curb Iranian influence and activities, the move places significant pressure on foreign entities that have existing contracts with Iranian airlines. The directive effectively turns private global companies into enforcers of U.S. foreign policy. As of now, it remains unclear how many international airports will comply with the directive or how Iranian airlines will attempt to circumvent these restrictions to maintain their international flight paths.