Three Muslim-Majority States Join US Sanctions on Iran

Three Muslim-majority countries—Türkiye, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—have taken steps to enforce US economic sanctions against Iran, while the UK has also joined the measures.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent thanked the governments of Türkiye, Oman, the UAE and the UK for cooperating with Washington’s efforts to restrict Iran’s economic and financial activities.

The measures have particularly affected Iran’s aviation and banking sectors.

Türkiye and Oman have suspended flights by Iran’s Mahan Air, while the UAE has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines.

The UAE has also halted transactions involving Bank Melli branches in the country, while Türkiye has revoked the operating licence of Bank Mellat.

The moves come as Washington steps up economic pressure on Tehran through sanctions targeting Iran’s financial and aviation sectors.

On September 8, the US imposed sanctions on 36 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s aviation sector, including 27 Iranian airlines.

The latest measures are expected to further restrict Iran’s international air connections and access to financial services.