Iran warns region as flight restrictions deepen

Iran has warned that air travel across the region could be affected if its airlines continue to lose access to flights and airport services.

Mohammad Mokhber, a senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, issued the warning in a post on X on Friday. He said Iran would not accept restrictions that prevent its airlines from operating while other countries continue normal aviation services.

Mokhber said Iran’s position was clear: “Flights in the region are either open to everyone or to no one.” He added that if Iran was denied the ability to fly and receive airport services, other countries in the region would also face the consequences.

US sanctions put pressure on Iranian airlines

The warning comes after several countries restricted or suspended flights involving Iranian airlines following new US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector.

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The United Arab Emirates suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines, while Iraq’s Najaf airport also halted flights to and from Iran. Airports in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah likewise suspended Iranian flight connections.

The United States has threatened sanctions against companies and aviation service providers that continue dealing with designated Iranian airlines.

Mokhber also criticised countries he accused of cooperating with Washington and said the Iranian people would remember such actions.

The adviser did not explain what specific measures Iran could take if regional aviation restrictions continue. However, his statement adds to tensions surrounding Iranian airlines and international air connectivity.