Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary [AFP=Yonhap News Archive]

The U.S. administration of Donald Trump, which has been increasing economic pressure on Iran to urge it to reach a ceasefire agreement, has now imposed sanctions on Iranian airlines.

On May 28 (local time), U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on X (formerly Twitter) that "We will completely block the landing, refueling, and ticket sales of two Iranian airlines."

Bessent did not specify the names of the airlines.

He stated, "The Treasury Department is continuing its 'economic rage' campaign targeting the Iranian regime. Iranian soldiers are not receiving salaries, police are not showing up for work, and the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's largest oil export hub, is closed."

"Iran's economy and currency are plummeting," he added.

Previously, the Treasury Department also designated the Persian Gulf Shipping Authority (PGSA), recently established by Iran ostensibly to manage transit through the Strait of Hormuz, as a target for sanctions.

In relation to this, Bessent said, "We have warned all companies and state institutions not to pay tolls to Iran, or to disguise them as humanitarian aid."

He also claimed that "maritime oil shipments from Iran have reached an all-time low" due to the U.S. military's naval blockade against Iran.

He emphasized, "This vicious cycle can only end with a satisfactory outcome in negotiations."

In another X post, Bessent stated, "The U.S. government will not tolerate any attempt to introduce a toll collection system in the Strait of Hormuz."

He then warned Oman, which shares jurisdiction of the Strait of Hormuz with Iran, stating, "Oman, in particular, must be aware that any party directly or indirectly involved in enabling toll collection in the Strait will be aggressively targeted by the U.S. Treasury Department, and any partner attempting to participate will be punished."

Bessent further urged, "All nations must fully reject any Iranian attempt to obstruct the free flow of trade. The era of Iran intimidating the region and the world with fear is over."

These warning messages appear to be in response to a statement made by Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, on May 23, who said, "The issue of the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with the United States; it is a matter between us and the coastal states. We are strengthening cooperation with Oman on matters concerning the Strait."

As Iran, along with Oman, shows signs of attempting to collect passage fees for civilian vessels in the Strait, the U.S. has threatened Oman with severe sanctions if it does not cooperate with Iran.

The previous day, U.S. President Donald Trump also stated during a cabinet meeting at the White House that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open, adding, "Oman will act like other countries. Otherwise, we will blow them away."

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran are engaged in ceasefire negotiations, but they are facing last-minute difficulties due to ongoing disagreements over key issues such as Iran's nuclear program. Tensions are escalating with sporadic armed clashes between both sides even while a ceasefire is in effect.