U.S. Warns of Sanctions Risk Over Dealings With Iranian Airlines as Oil Pressure Mounts

28/04/2026

U.S. Warns of Sanctions Risk Over Dealings With Iranian Airlines as Oil Pressure Mounts

WASHINGTON, April 28: The United States has warned countries and companies against engaging with Iranian commercial aviation, cautioning that providing services could trigger sanctions, as pressure on Tehran’s energy sector intensifies.

In a statement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said governments and firms should avoid supplying jet fuel, maintenance, catering, or airport services to Iranian aircraft. He stressed that the United States Department of the Treasury “will not hesitate to act” against third parties that facilitate business with Iranian entities, following the recent resumption of commercial flights by Iran.

Bessent also pointed to mounting strain on Iran’s oil sector, claiming that U.S. measures are beginning to curb production. He warned that the country could soon face gasoline shortages if current conditions persist.

Separately, market intelligence cited by Kpler indicates that Iran’s unused onshore oil storage capacity may be exhausted in roughly 22 days at current output levels, as export constraints tighten. The narrowing storage window raises the likelihood that Tehran may be forced into deeper production cuts in the near term.

Energy analysts caution that prolonged reductions could have lasting consequences, including damage to reservoir pressure in aging oil fields and lower long-term recovery rates, potentially weakening Iran’s future production capacity.

The developments underscore escalating economic pressure on Iran, with aviation and energy sectors increasingly targeted as part of broader efforts to restrict the country’s revenue streams.