Trumps Iran crackdown collides with NATO ally seeking access to Americas prized fighter jet

At least 83 flights operated by U.S.-sanctioned Iranian airlines landed in Turkey in the five days after a key American sanctions deadline, according to flight data analyzed by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, putting a new spotlight on whether Washington will enforce its escalating pressure campaign against companies servicing the carriers in a NATO ally.The Sept.28 FDD report said U.S.

pressure has helped push Iranian airlines out of several regional markets, including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, but found that Turkey remains a significant gap in Washington’s effort to ground the carriers.The findings come after the Treasury Department announced sweeping new sanctions on Iran’s aviation industry on Sept.8, designating all 27 remaining active Iranian airlines under Executive Order 13902.

Treasury said 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.TRUMP PUSHES F-35 SALE TO TURKEY, BUT HIS OWN STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS ERDOĞAN HASN'T MET LEGAL REQUIREMENTSAn Iranian commercial aircraft lands at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran on September 25, 2026.In early September, the US imposed sanctions on Iran's aviation sector and vowed to come down hard on companies that work with it.

Starting on September 23, the main Iranian airlines were forced to cancel their international flights as neighbouring countries adopted restrictive measures.(Photo by Atta Kenare / AFP via Getty Images)The continued Iranian flights come at a sensitive moment in U.S.-Turkey relations.

Turkey is a NATO ally, and President Donald Trump has publicly emphasized his close relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan while signaling openness to restoring Ankara’s access to the F-35 fighter jet program.Turkey was removed from the program after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air-defense system, a move that also triggered U.S.

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