Iran Warns Neighbors as U.S. Sanctions Disrupt Iranian Airline Flights

Iran has warned neighboring countries against enforcing new U.S. sanctions on its airlines, as the measures disrupt flights across the Middle East and Iraq seeks an exemption for humanitarian travel.

The warning came after the United States threatened foreign airports and companies that provide services to Iranian carriers with exclusion from the U.S. dollar financial system.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week that Iranian airlines would be shut down worldwide from 23rd September 2026 under the new measures.

“If they land, 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,” Bessent told CNBC.

The sanctions have already led several countries to suspend or restrict Iranian flights.

The United Arab Emirates suspended Iranian airline flights, while Georgia and Azerbaijan also halted services.

Flights to Oman and Baghdad were also disrupted.

Iran has responded with warnings that countries cooperating with Washington could face consequences.

Mokhber, who served as Iran’s acting president in 2024, said Tehran’s position was straightforward.

“Our strategy in this regard is clear: Flight in the region is either free for all or for no one,” he said.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, also warned neighboring countries against joining what he called the U.S. campaign.

“If a country cooperates with or embarks on adventures with the United States, its airports will no longer be able to operate flights” to Iran, Rezaei said.

Iraq has meanwhile sought an exemption from Washington, citing the effect of the restrictions on patients, students and religious pilgrims.

The Iraqi government said Saturday it was negotiating with the United States to allow some flights to continue for “medical treatment, education, religious visits, and other civilian needs.”

The suspension has hit Najaf particularly hard because the city is a major destination for Iranian flights and religious travel. Iraqi airport officials said all flights between Iran and Najaf had been halted.

The measures are already narrowing Iran’s international air links, although flights to some countries, including Turkey and China, continue.

The dispute has placed regional governments in a difficult position as they balance ties with Iran against the risk of U.S. financial sanctions.