Why is Iran threatening regional airports, and what could be the impact?

Key Points:

• Iran has threatened retaliation against neighbouring countries that enforce new US sanctions aimed at grounding Iranian airlines, warning that airports cooperating with the US could be targeted and rendered inoperable.
• The US Treasury expanded sanctions to cover 27 Iranian airlines, accusing some of links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and warned that airports and service providers working with these airlines risk losing access to the US financial system.
• Several neighbouring countries, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the UAE, have suspended Iranian flights, while others have partially reduced connections, significantly disrupting Iran’s international air travel.
• Experts note Iran’s threats are ambiguous and likely aimed at coercive deterrence, with limited practical ability to shut down foreign airports, but the psychological impact and regional tensions are expected to rise.
• The sanctions and flight cancellations have already severely impacted Iranian travellers and the regional travel industry, contributing to substantial losses in passenger traffic and tourism revenue amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.