Iraq bans Iranian airlines in compliance with U.S. sanctions

Iraq has become the first country to announce compliance with U.S. sanctions by banning flights from Iranian airlines. Government sources stated that Baghdad will suspend these flights starting Tuesday dawn, following an announcement from Washington regarding the cessation of services for these companies due to U.S. sanctions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that all Iranian airlines will cease operations within the coming days. He warned that if these aircraft land, no entity will be permitted to provide fuel, landing services, or ticket sales, as doing so would result in exclusion from the dollar-based financial system. The U.S. Treasury has also targeted entities supporting the Iranian aviation sector, including companies based outside of Iran, as part of an effort to increase financial pressure on Tehran.