AT a Glance

• Iranian aviation authorities said flights to Baghdad and Muscat would stop from midnight.
• Iran is working to redirect Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf.
• Other international routes, including Istanbul, were reported to continue operating.
• The moves come amid expanding U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector.

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Flights operated by Iranian airlines to Baghdad are set to be suspended from midnight, amid expanding U.S. restrictions targeting Iran's aviation sector.

Iranian aviation authorities said they were coordinating with Iraqi counterparts to redirect flights previously bound for Baghdad to Najaf, while other international services were expected to continue operating.

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IRAQ FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Iran's state-linked Tasnim news agency, citing a spokesperson for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, reported that flights from Iran to Baghdad and Muscat would no longer be accepted from midnight local time.

Iranian authorities said they were working to redirect Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf International Airport.

The development follows reports that Iraqi airports had been notified to stop accepting Iranian aircraft in line with U.S. sanctions, with companies providing ground services to Iranian aircraft also expected to halt operations.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL ROUTES

Iranian authorities said other international flights, including services to Istanbul, were continuing according to schedule.

The situation remains fluid, however, with Iranian airlines facing restrictions and operational changes on several international routes as U.S. pressure increases.

U.S. PRESSURE ON IRANIAN AVIATION

The restrictions follow a U.S. Treasury campaign targeting Iran's aviation sector.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that companies providing Iranian airlines with services such as fuel, landing assistance and ticket sales could face consequences under the new measures.

Washington has accused Iranian commercial airlines of helping transport weapons and military personnel. The U.S. Treasury has also targeted Iranian carriers and entities it says support Iran's aviation sector.

IMPACT ON TRAVEL

The restrictions could affect passengers traveling between Iran and Iraq, including religious pilgrims, patients and other travelers who rely on air connections between the two countries.

Recent reporting has indicated that travel agencies in Iraqi cities were already dealing with uncertainty over Iranian flight schedules and considering land routes as alternatives.

FYI

The suspension of Iranian flights to Baghdad adds an aviation dimension to Washington's broader campaign to increase economic pressure on Tehran. Iranian airlines depend on foreign airports for fuel, ground handling, ticketing and other services, making restrictions on those services a significant operational constraint.

For Iraq, the immediate issue is the effect on air links with Iran, particularly passenger traffic involving Najaf and other religious destinations. Redirecting Baghdad-bound services to Najaf, if implemented, could preserve some connectivity while reducing the immediate disruption to travelers.

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