US Treasury Secretary announces restrictions on Iranian flights to pressure reopening of Strait of Hormuz

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced today that the US will prohibit Iranian airlines from using landing points and other services to increase pressure on Tehran and push for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to AFP, Bessent stated on the social platform X that Washington will 'stop all authority for Iranian airlines regarding landing points, refueling, and ticket sales,' though he did not provide further details. He warned, 'Only by reaching a satisfactory result in negotiations can this vicious cycle be ended.' While he did not specify which airlines, Iran Air and Mahan Air have previously been subject to US sanctions. However, in a press conference tonight, he stated that the US will not 'restrict movement based on religious grounds, so Iranians wishing to travel to Mecca or Medina for pilgrimage will still be allowed.' He added that travel for legitimate humanitarian reasons will also be permitted. Prior to this announcement, the US Treasury Department announced yesterday that it would sanction the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority,' a new agency established by Tehran to collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Since the US-Israel joint airstrikes on February 28, Tehran has effectively blockaded this strategic waterway, a bottleneck for energy transport, causing global energy prices to soar. Although diplomatic efforts are underway, and US and Iranian forces have maintained a ceasefire since April 8, both sides continue to exchange attacks today.