Bessent said Iran's leadership has acknowledged the economic toll of the war as the rial has fallen to record lows. The campaign has reached more than 50 countries, with Treasury official Jonathan Burke warning governments they must choose between trading with Iran and keeping ties with Washington, the Wall Street Journal reported. British lawyer Nigel Kushner, who has advised companies on Iran sanctions for two decades, said he had never seen such intense pressure on Iran's banking and aviation sectors. "The U.S. has achieved greater impact in a matter of weeks than during the lengthier campaigns commenced from 2010," Kushner said.
Iranian airlines have kept flying despite the September 23 deadline Bessent set to shut them down worldwide, with flights from Tehran to Turkey, China, Pakistan, Thailand and Russia still operating and a Mahan Air aircraft landing in Guangzhou after the restrictions took effect. Bessent has warned that any airport or company providing Iranian carriers with fuel, landing services or ticket sales will be "knocked out of the dollar system." Mohammad Mokhber, adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, signaled Tehran would not accept the curbs quietly: "Flight in the region is either free for all, or for no one. If Iran cannot operate flights and receive airport services, then no one in the region can either."