,US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has questioned how the Iranian delegation currently attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York will manage to return to their country, citing heavy disruptions to Iran’s international air travel caused by American sanctions.
Referring to the US sanctions campaign known as “Operation Economic Outcast,” Bessent stated that Washington is exerting unprecedented economic pressure on Tehran, claiming that the campaign has shut down 80 to 90 percent of flights operating out of Iran. While Iranian civil aviation has faced mounting pressure from recent US penalties targeting airlines and service providers, international connections to certain nations, such as China, remain active. Although US authorities granted visas to the high-ranking Iranian officials for the UN summit under specific travel and activity restrictions, the delegation may now need to rely on alternative air routes or limited available flights for their journey back.
