US-Iran war: Washington threatens global shutdown of Iranian airlines as tensions rise over Hormuz and Yemen

Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Tuesday as Washington stepped up economic pressure on Tehran, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that Iranian airlines could effectively be shut down worldwide from September 23.

Bessent said foreign airports, fuel suppliers and other aviation service providers could face secondary sanctions if they continue to provide services to Iranian carriers. The move is part of the Trump administration's wider effort to isolate Iran economically amid the continuing conflict.

According to Bessent, Iranian airlines would struggle to operate internationally if other countries continued to provide them with fuel, landing services and ticketing facilities. He warned that companies facilitating such services could risk losing access to the US dollar-based financial system.

The latest US measure comes as military tensions remain high across the region. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that its forces are prepared to respond forcefully to any fresh US or Israeli attack. The IRGC also pointed to Iran's ability to influence traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as a source of leverage.

Strait of Hormuz remains major flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the most critical pressure points in the conflict. The waterway is a key route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, with roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG trade passing through it under normal conditions. Traffic has been sharply disrupted during the conflict.

Maritime security agencies have also reported incidents involving vessels in the strait. UK Maritime Trade Operations said a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile, with crew members injured, while another vessel was reportedly affected by debris from an unidentified projectile. The incidents have added to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region.

Despite the disruption, there have been signs that diplomatic efforts could ease pressure on the waterway. Reports on Tuesday said Iran may be willing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days if Washington takes steps to reduce military pressure. Oil prices subsequently fell by about 1%, with Brent crude trading below $100 a barrel.

Yemen conflict adds to regional tensions

The conflict has also spread further into Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi-backed forces have exchanged attacks.

Yemeni government forces have reported strikes against Houthi fighters and supply routes near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and in Al-Bayda governorate. The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is another vital route for international shipping.

Saudi Arabia has also faced attacks attributed to the Houthis, including strikes targeting energy infrastructure. The escalation has raised concerns about another major disruption to oil and commercial shipping routes at a time when traffic through Hormuz is already severely affected.

The G7 foreign ministers have called on Iran to stop supporting and arming the Houthis, while urging the group to end attacks on civilian shipping and return to thepolitical process.

Oil markets remain highly sensitive

The widening conflict has kept energy markets under pressure. Disruptions around Hormuz and the Red Sea have raised concerns about supplies, transportation costs and the availability of refined petroleum products.

However, oil prices eased on Tuesday amid reports of possible diplomatic progress and a potential reopening of Hormuz. Reuters reported that Brent crude fell to around $99.45 a barrel, while WTI futures also declined.

The movement highlights how closely energy markets are tracking developments between Washington and Tehran. Any sustained reopening of Hormuz could ease supply concerns, while renewed military action could put fresh upward pressure on crude prices.

Diplomatic efforts continue

The latest escalation comes as world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to attend the UN meetings, while diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict have intensified.

US officials have continued to signal that negotiations remain possible, even as Washington maintains pressure on Tehran. US envoy to the UN Mike Waltz said the door remained open for Iran to return to negotiations, while Iranian officials have publicly laid out conditions for ending the confrontation.

For now, the conflict remains marked by a combination of military threats, economic sanctions and diplomatic manoeuvring. The situation around the Strait of Hormuz, attacks involving the Houthis and the US campaign against Iranian economic interests are likely to remain key factors shaping the next phase of the crisis.