US targets airlines, digital assets linked to Iran as Treasury ramps up sanctions pressure

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent put airlines, shipping companies, and crypto platforms on notice this week, warning that the US is expanding its sanctions apparatus to choke off Iran’s remaining financial lifelines. Digital assets, perhaps unsurprisingly, are near the top of the target list. Bessent’s comments on September 2 followed the launch of “Operation Economic Outcast,” a broad sanctions initiative rolled out on August 24 that covers five sectors tied to the Iranian regime: digital assets, aviation, shipping, technology, and gold. The goal is straightforward: cut off resources flowing to Iran’s military apparatus, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. What Operation Economic Outcast actually does The initiative gives the Office of Foreign Assets Control new authority to go after anyone, anywhere in the world, who provides support or services in the targeted sectors. Airlines are a prominent focus. Iranian carriers like Mahan Air and IranAir have been under US sanctions for years, but the new framework extends the threat to the companies that make their operations possible. Think fuel suppliers, maintenance crews, leasing companies. The digital asset dimension ...