Sanctioned Iranian Airlines Keep Flying to Turkey and China Despite US Deadline

Key points

• FDD analysis found 83 flights by sanctioned Iranian carriers landed in Turkey between Sept. 23 and 27, defying the U.S. wind-down deadline.
• Treasury designated all 27 remaining Iranian airlines on Sept. 8, warning that supporting them risks exclusion from the U.S. financial system.
• China remains a significant loophole, with Mahan Air continuing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou despite U.S. pressure.
• Iranian officials warned regional neighbors that airport access could be restricted if they enforce U.S. sanctions, escalating diplomatic tensions.
• U.S. Treasury claims success in the Gulf, citing suspended flights in the UAE and Oman, but acknowledges ongoing challenges in Turkey and China.

Background

In late August 2026, the U.S. Treasury launched 'Operation Economic Outcast,' targeting Iran's aviation sector under Executive Order 13902. This followed earlier sanctions on digital assets and shipping. By September, Washington designated 27 Iranian airlines, aiming to isolate Tehran from global markets. Previous tensions included U.S. sanctions on Turkish banks for Iran-linked activities in early September, highlighting the strain on U.S.-Turkey relations.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) emphasize the failure of enforcement in Turkey, noting 83 flights landed there after the deadline. FDD researcher Ahmad Sharawi criticized Ankara for taking 'symbolic measures' while ignoring broader Iranian activity. Conversely, the U.S. Treasury highlighted successes in the Gulf, such as Mahan Air suspending Turkey services and the UAE halting flights. Iran International reported on the human impact, noting travelers facing higher costs and longer routes, while Iranian officials threatened regional airports. FDD also pointed to China as the 'last major runway,' contrasting Beijing's opposition to unilateral sanctions with U.S. diplomatic efforts.

Why it matters

The continued operation of sanctioned airlines in key markets like Turkey and China undermines the U.S. strategy of economic isolation. It highlights the difficulty of enforcing secondary sanctions against major allies and partners, potentially allowing Iran to maintain revenue streams and logistical networks. This gap could embolden Tehran to resist further pressure and complicate U.S. efforts to cut off Iran's access to global finance and aviation services.

What to watch

The U.S. Treasury is expected to continue engaging with Turkish and Chinese officials to close enforcement gaps. FDD suggests targeting specific Chinese fuel providers and ground handlers to force compliance. Iran may escalate diplomatic warnings or retaliate against regional airports if restrictions persist. The U.S. may issue new sanctions against entities facilitating Iranian aviation if current measures fail to halt flights.