New York:US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed concern on Wednesday about the Iranian delegation's ability to return home after attending the UN General Assembly in New York, as American sanctions continue to impact Iran's international airline operations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Bessent highlighted that the US sanctions campaign, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, is severely limiting Iran's international air travel, with more than 80% to 90% of external flights from Iran being shut down. This campaign is part of a broader US strategy involving military action, a naval blockade, and financial pressure aimed at isolating Iran economically.

Bessent issued a warning to financial institutions, companies, and other businesses that support Iran, indicating that their operations and bank accounts could be targeted by Washington. He emphasized the comprehensive nature of the US strategy, which he described as unprecedented in its efforts to cut off Iran's financial resources.

The pressure campaign could extend for several weeks or months, with the US aiming for one of three outcomes: divisions within the Iranian leadership, a popular uprising, or an agreement under which Tehran fulfills its commitments. Bessent noted that the US had previously attempted to reach an agreement with Iran, but accused Tehran of escalating attacks in the Strait of Hormuz thereafter.

Operation Economic Outcast was launched in August, targeting companies and financial institutions aiding Iran in circumventing US sanctions. The Treasury Department has since expanded the scope of the campaign to include Iranian aviation networks and cryptocurrency-related infrastructure.