Iraq grounds Iranian airlines as US sanctions take effect

Iraq has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines to Baghdad following new United States aviation sanctions targeting Tehran’s air sector, Al Jazeera reported, citing sources at Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority.  

Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation confirmed that flights from Tehran to Baghdad and Muscat were cancelled from midnight local time, with authorities working to divert Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf instead. Iran International reported that flights to Istanbul and other international destinations would continue as scheduled.  

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines would effectively be shut out of international operations, warning that airports, fuel suppliers and ground-handling firms risked US penalties for servicing sanctioned Iranian carriers. Iraq, a major destination for Shiite pilgrims travelling to Najaf and Karbala, is among the first countries to enforce the measure.