Israel bars United Airlines pilot over alleged support for Iran and Hezbollah

Israeli authorities have barred Sina Amjadian, an Iranian-origin pilot for United Airlines, from entering Israeli airspace as a crew member. The decision follows a security review triggered by unverified social media allegations suggesting he expressed support for the Iranian regime, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Hezbollah.

The restriction was initiated after the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs alerted security officials, including the Shin Bet, regarding posts on X (formerly Twitter). These posts alleged that Amjadian had shared content associated with the Iranian regime and expressed support for militant groups. While the allegations have not been independently verified, Israeli officials moved to impose the ban as a precautionary measure following a recent attempted terror attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel.

United Airlines has been formally notified of the restriction. The airline noted that Amjadian does not hold a license to operate wide-body aircraft and currently flies domestic routes within the United States and between the U.S. and Canada, meaning he does not operate the airline’s international long-haul flights to Israel.