Iraq Halts Iranian Flights to Baghdad Amid U.S. Sanctions Threat

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Iraq Halts Iranian Flights to Baghdad Amid U.S. Sanctions Threat

15 minutes ago

News sources:

REUTERS

ALJAZEERA

INDIATIMES

Iraq Halts Iranian Flights to Baghdad Amid U.S. Sanctions Threat

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

Iraq suspends Iranian flights to Baghdad starting Wednesday due to U.S. sanctions threat.
U.S. Treasury Secretary warns of consequences for airports servicing Iranian airlines.
Negotiations are ongoing to redirect flights to Najaf airport instead.
Iranian authorities report cancellations of flights to Baghdad and Muscat.

Iraq has ordered its civil aviation authority to suspend all flights from Iranian airlines to Baghdad airport effective Wednesday, following a threat from the United States of secondary sanctions against any airport servicing Iranian carriers. This decision marks a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The suspension will take effect at midnight, and discussions are also underway to divert some Iranian Airways flights to Najaf airport, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The U.S. sanctions, articulated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, are directed at all Iranian airlines, with enforcement beginning on September 23. He stated, “When Iranian airlines land at an airport, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system,” emphasizing the severe ramifications for any airport involved, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and India Times.

Al Jazeera and India Times.

The U.S. sanctions represent a continuation of their campaign against Iran amid ongoing tensions. Tehran has expressed willingness to enter negotiations mediated by Qatar to resolve outstanding issues while maintaining an aggressive stance towards the U.S., with security chief Mohsen Rezaei asserting, “It is in Washington’s interest to accept these conditions,” according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and India Times.