Iran warns neighbors over airspace restrictions on sanctioned airlines

New US Treasury sanctions have led to the suspension of Iranian passenger flights to and from all four Iraqi airports (Baghdad, Najaf, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil), as well as suspensions by Georgia and Azerbaijan. Iran has responded with threats of regional aviation disruption if its own flights are impeded, signaling a hardening posture against US pressure. The full operational impact and the exact nature of Iran's potential retaliation remain unclear.

US sanctions have severely impacted Iran's aviation sector, leading to widespread flight suspensions by Iraq, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, with Iran issuing threats of regional aviation disruption. Concurrently, Iran has escalated its rhetoric, threatening to expand conflict into the Indian Ocean, including potential strikes against US assets, if attacked. The aviation disruptions are confirmed, while the Indian Ocean threats remain rhetorical.