US Aviation Sanctions on Iran Expand to Iraq and Regional Airports
US sanctions on Iranian aviation have expanded to Iraq and the UAE, disrupting regional flights as Washington pressures international carriers over security concerns.
US Aviation Sanctions on Iran Expand to Iraq
United States sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector have expanded to Iraq, affecting international flights and regional airports. According to reports from regional media and security sources, airports in Iraq, including the Najaf International Airport, have blocked Iranian flights and forced aircraft to return empty to Mashhad, Iran.
Simultaneously, sources confirmed that airports in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have also suspended operations with Iranian airlines. Iraqi lawmaker Faleh al-Khazali blamed the Iraqi government for financial losses resulting from the implementation of US Treasury decisions against Iranian aviation.
"We hold the Iraqi government responsible for the financial losses incurred by the country as a result of implementing US Treasury decisions against Iranian aviation," al-Khazali stated.
Regional Impact and UAE Suspension
Iraq is not the sole country taking measures under US pressure. The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates announced the suspension of all flights to and from the UAE by Iranian airlines until further notice. The decision follows US sanctions imposed on Iranian carriers due to their alleged use of international airports for military logistics.
Iranian officials have strongly condemned the measures. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, warned regional countries against cooperating with Washington.
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Airports in neighboring countries refusing flights will face operational restrictions.
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Iran stated that regional airspace access will either be open to everyone or completely closed.
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US and allied policies are being criticized for escalating economic pressure.
US Treasury Measures and Global Reactions
The US Treasury Department recently targeted 36 entities linked to Iran's aviation sector, penalizing carriers used for transporting military personnel and equipment. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that foreign companies providing fueling, ground, or landing services to blacklisted Iranian planes risk expulsion from the US dollar financial system.
While several regional nations have complied with the restrictions, others maintain their positions. Russia and China have not joined the sanctions, with Beijing explicitly stating it will not enforce US measures against Iranian commercial aviation.
