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China Condemns US Sanctions on Iranian Airlines Before Deadline — AI-generated representative image: A grounded passenger aircraft on an airport tarmac, illustrating the impact of aviation sanctions on Iran's airline sector.

Editorial Team

Beijing rejects Washington's unilateral aviation measures as Treasury warns of global enforcement against airports and intermediaries.

China has publicly opposed the latest United States sanctions against Iran's aviation sector, calling them illegal unilateral measures lacking authorization from the UN Security Council. The statement came as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that operations of Iranian commercial airlines worldwide would effectively be halted beginning Wednesday, September 23.

The warning follows a US Treasury action earlier this month targeting 27 Iranian airlines and other aviation-related entities, with Washington threatening secondary penalties against any foreign airports or companies that continue providing services to Iranian aircraft.

The escalating sanctions campaign carries significant implications for global air travel and international banking, as the United States has warned that foreign companies fueling, servicing or ticketing Iranian aircraft could lose access to the American banking and dollar-clearing systems. The dispute also highlights deepening friction between Washington and Beijing over Iran policy.

The measures form part of a broader pressure campaign that Washington has pursued since coordinated US and Israeli strikes against Iran in late February, a conflict now entering its seventh month.

Washington Announces Global Enforcement Deadline

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Monday that all Iranian airlines would be shut down around the world beginning September 23. He warned that foreign airports and companies providing Iranian aircraft with fuel, landing services or ticketing could lose access to the US banking system and dollar-clearing system.

Bessent also stated that Washington had identified financial intermediaries helping Tehran evade the restrictions and would target them as part of its pressure campaign. The Treasury chief said enforcement had been discussed with China, adding that Chinese financial authorities, including People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng, were very engaged in the process.

Background of the Sanctions Campaign

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council. He made the remarks in response to the latest US measures against Tehran, reiterating China's longstanding opposition to Washington's so-called long-arm jurisdiction over Iran.

The September 23 deadline follows the US Treasury's sanctions action earlier this month targeting 27 Iranian airlines and other aviation-related entities. Washington has framed the aviation restrictions as part of its broader military and economic pressure campaign against Iran, which began with coordinated US and Israeli strikes in late February.

Official Statements and Enforcement Details

Bessent emphasized that the sanctions would be enforced globally, cautioning that any foreign entity assisting Iranian commercial aviation could be cut off from the American financial system. He specifically noted that discussions with Chinese financial authorities had taken place, describing People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng and other officials as very engaged in the process.

China's position, articulated by Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, rejects the legality of the measures, arguing they lack authorization from the UN Security Council and violate international law. Beijing has repeatedly voiced opposition to US sanctions against Iran and to Washington's broader extraterritorial enforcement approach.

What Lies Ahead

The full operational impact on Iranian commercial aviation is expected to become clear after the September 23 deadline takes effect. Washington has indicated it will pursue financial intermediaries identified as helping Tehran evade restrictions, while China has signaled continued opposition to the measures. Further enforcement actions and diplomatic responses remain to be seen.