Iraq to halt flights by US-sanctioned Iranian airlines starting Tuesday

 Iraq to halt flights by US-sanctioned Iranian airlines starting Tuesday Iraq will suspend operations of Iranian airlines targeted by U.S. s...

 Iraq to halt flights by US-sanctioned Iranian airlines starting Tuesday

Iraq will suspend operations of Iranian airlines targeted by U.S. sanctions, two government sources told AFP on Monday, aligning Baghdad with Washington’s latest effort to isolate Iran’s aviation sector.

The ban takes effect at dawn on Tuesday, September 22. “Iraq will enforce the ban on Iranian airlines in accordance with the US Treasury decision starting Tuesday at dawn,” one official said, adding that countries that fail to comply risk sanctions themselves. A second source confirmed the account.

The move follows remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told CNBC that all Iranian airlines would be “shut down around the world” from September 23. Airports and companies that refuel Iranian aircraft, provide landing services, or sell tickets face being cut off from the U.S. dollar financial system.

On September 8, the Treasury Department sanctioned 27 remaining Iranian airlines and additional foreign intermediaries under Operation Economic Outcast. Officials said Iran’s aviation sector has been used to move weapons, personnel, and illicit cargo. Mahan Air, long under U.S. sanctions, was already restricted; the new designations cover the rest of the country’s active carriers.

Iraq is a major destination for Iranian travelers, especially Shiite pilgrims visiting holy sites. The suspension is likely to disrupt those routes. Turkey has also moved quickly: Turkish Airlines, AJet, and Pegasus have cancelled flights to and from Iran.

The measures form part of a broader U.S. campaign to increase economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing regional conflict. Secondary sanctions give Washington leverage over third countries whose airports and service providers deal in dollars. Iraq’s announcement makes it one of the first countries to publicly confirm it will comply.

Family Writers Press International