U.S. Sanctions Impact on Iranian Airlines and Turkey's Role

<p>At least 83 flights operated by U.S.-sanctioned Iranian airlines landed in Turkey in the five days following a key American sanctions deadline, according to flight data analyzed by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). This situation raises questions about whether the U.S. will enforce its pressure campaign against companies servicing these carriers in Turkey, a NATO ally.</p><p>The FDD report, published on September 28, indicates that U.S. pressure has successfully pushed Iranian airlines out of several regional markets, including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, but Turkey remains a significant gap in the U.S. effort to ground these carriers.</p><p>This report follows the Treasury Department's announcement of new sanctions on Iran’s aviation industry on September 8, which designated all 27 remaining active Iranian airlines under Executive Order 13902. The Treasury stated that Iran's aviation sector has been used to transport weapons, personnel, and illicit cargo, and warned foreign businesses about the risks of continuing to support sanctioned carriers.</p><p>President Donald Trump has emphasized his close relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan while signaling openness to restoring Turkey’s access to the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was removed from the program after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air-defense system, which also triggered U.S. sanctions in 2020.</p><p>During a visit to Turkey in July 2026, Trump indicated that his administration would consider lifting those sanctions and allowing Turkey to buy F-35s, although congressional restrictions related to Turkey’s possession of the S-400 remain an obstacle. Erdoğan stated on September 24 that he expects the U.S. to take