‘If we can’t fly, no one can’: Iran threatens neighbors over US aviation sanctions

Key Points:

• U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector have expanded in Iraq, with several airports including Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah suspending flights by Iranian carriers following Washington’s threats of secondary sanctions.
• The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 36 targets linked to Iran’s aviation, including 27 airlines, accusing them of facilitating the transport of weapons and illicit cargo, and warned foreign companies against providing services like fuel, landing, or ticket sales to these carriers.
• Iranian officials have issued stern warnings to neighboring countries enforcing the sanctions, stating that if Iran’s flights and airport services are restricted, no country in the region will be allowed similar freedoms, signaling potential regional retaliation.
• Iraqi officials and lawmakers have expressed concern over the economic impact of complying with U.S. sanctions, with some blaming the Iraqi government for financial losses due to the suspension of Iranian flights.
• The sanctions have also affected Iranian flights to other countries such as the UAE, Oman, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, causing widespread disruption in Iran’s regional aviation connectivity.