Iran warns airline bans could halt regional flights

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Iran has warned that air travel in the region could be disrupted if Iranian airlines continue to be prohibited from accessing flights and airport services.

Iran will not accept regional countries that side with United States policies hostile to Iran, stated Mohammad Mokhber, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, in a post on the X platform.

“Our strategy on this matter is clear: air travel in this region is available to all parties, or available to no one. If Iran cannot undertake air travel and receive airport services, then no country in this region can do so either,” said Mokhber.

He added that the decision of regional nations to side with the US in implementing “hostile policies” will continue to be remembered by the Iranian people.

Mokhber’s comments come after restrictions on Iranian airlines were expanded this week amidst US sanctions targeting Iran’s international operations.

The United Arab Emirates also suspended flights to and from Iranian airlines on Thursday (24/9) until further notice.

The country’s General Civil Aviation Authority cited US restrictions imposed on Iranian airlines as the reason for the move.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the operations of Iranian airlines worldwide would cease starting 23 September as part of new sanctions, as efforts continue to end the US-Israel conflict against Iran.

Negotiations have reached a deadlock, despite a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at achieving a final peace, due to disagreements regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic routes for energy and goods supply.