Iraq to Suspend Iranian Airlines From Tuesday amid US Sanctions
“Iraq will enforce the ban on Iranian airlines in accordance with the US Treasury decision starting Tuesday at dawn,” one official said, warning that countries that fail to implement the decision could face sanctions. A second Iraqi government source confirmed the account.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraq will suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines from early Tuesday, following a US warning that Iranian carriers could be effectively shut out of international operations under Washington’s sanctions regime.
Two Iraqi government sources told AFP on Monday that Baghdad would enforce the ban starting 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, warning that countries that fail to implement the decision could face sanctions. A second Iraqi government source confirmed the account.
The move comes after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that all Iranian airlines would be “shut down” worldwide from Wednesday, September 23, as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran.
“On September 23, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world,” Bessent told CNBC. He warned that airports and companies providing services to Iranian carriers could face US sanctions.
Bessent said foreign airports would risk losing access to the US dollar financial system if they refuel Iranian aircraft, provide landing services or sell tickets for the carriers.
The US Treasury announced on September 8 that it had sanctioned 36 targets linked to Iran’s aviation sector, including 27 Iranian airlines and foreign companies and intermediaries accused of supporting the industry. The measures also target networks involved in aircraft transfers, cargo services and the procurement of US-origin aircraft and aviation technology.
The sanctions are part of the Trump administration’s broader Operation Economic Outcast, aimed at restricting Iran’s access to international financial networks and revenue sources.
Iranian airlines have been under US sanctions for years, limiting their access to aircraft, spare parts, technology and maintenance services. The latest measures extend pressure to foreign companies that continue providing services to sanctioned Iranian carriers.
The latest US measures come amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and Washington’s broader efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran.