As U.S. sanctions against Iran intensify, neighboring countries such as Iraq, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates have suspended flights from Iran. In response, Iran has warned that it could impose strict controls on regional air travel.
Mohammad Mokhber, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, criticized the neighboring countries' compliance with U.S. policies on X (formerly Twitter) on September 25. He stated, "Aligning with America's hostile policies will remain in the memory of the Iranian people forever."
Mokhber emphasized, "Our strategy is clear: regional air travel will either be free for everyone or not allowed for anyone." He warned that if Iran is denied access to air travel and airport services, no neighboring country would benefit from it. This suggests that Iran may take severe measures to restrict airspace access in the region if its own air routes are blocked.
As U.S. sanctions pressure mounts, neighboring countries have increasingly limited operations of Iranian airlines. Iraq, which has maintained close ties with Iran, has also joined in the sanctions.
Ramin Kashef Azar, CEO of Imam Khomeini International Airport in Iran, announced that as of 2 a.m., they received notification of the closure of flights from Iraq's Najaf Airport to Iran.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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