Full Breakdown
Iraq Suspends Iranian Flights Amid U.S. Aviation Sanctions
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Immediate Flight Suspensions
On the Friday after the United States’ new aviation sanctions, Iraq halted all passenger services to and from Iran at four major airports—Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. The shutdown forced thousands of pilgrims, students and medical patients onto land routes that can exceed twelve hours.
U.S. Sanctions Trigger
The bans stem from a U.S. Treasury package announced on September 8, 2026, which threatened secondary sanctions against any foreign company providing fuel, landing services, ground-handling or ticketing to Iranian carriers. The Treasury named 27 Iranian airlines for sanction, with the measures slated to become effective on September 23 2026 and the formal list scheduled for October 1 2026.
Iranian Retaliatory Threats
Iran responded with warnings. Senior official Mohammad Mokhber posted on X:
> “If Iran does not have the possibility of flying and receiving airport services, no country in the region will have this possibility either.” — Mohammad Mokhber
Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei told state television that any neighboring country cooperating with the United States would see its airports rendered inoperable.
Iraq’s Diplomatic Response
Baghdad has opened direct talks with Washington to secure limited exemptions for humanitarian travel. On September 26 2026, the prime minister’s office announced that negotiations aim to allow flights for medical treatment, education, religious pilgrimages and other civilian needs.
Al Jazeera’s Jack Hewson noted the broader difficulty:
> “Iraq is in a difficult situation, allied both to America and to Iran. At times like this, it is squeezed between the two.”
Majid Akhavan, speaking for Iraqi officials, said diplomatic and aviation talks are under way to remove the restrictions and restore flights.
Regional Impact and Opposition
The suspensions have sparked protests. Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba’s secretary-general Akram al-Kaabi warned of nationwide sit-ins at airports unless normal air traffic resumes. Iraqi lawmaker Faleh al-Khazali blamed Baghdad for the economic losses incurred by complying with the U.S. Treasury decisions.
Data & Statistics
- Four Iraqi airports suspended Iranian flights.
- 27 Iranian airlines were placed on the U.S. sanctions list.
- Iranian international capacity was down 49 % year-over-year in August, according to Cirium data.
- Land journeys replacing air travel now exceed twelve hours for many passengers.
Official Statements & Responses
- U.S. Treasury: Companies providing fuel, landing or ticketing services to sanctioned Iranian airlines risk secondary sanctions and loss of access to the U.S. dollar system.
- Iranian Government: Mokhber and Rezaei framed the sanctions as a hostile policy that will be met with reciprocal measures against any regional airport that cooperates.
- Iraqi Government: The prime minister’s office emphasized de-escalation, humanitarian exemptions, and a call for dialogue among all regional parties.
- Iranian Ambassador to Iraq (Mohammad Kazem al-Sadegh): Confirmed ongoing contacts between the two governments and indicated a new decision on flights is likely soon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If Iran does not have the possibility of flying and receiving airport services, no country in the region will have this possibility either,” — Mohammad Mokhber
- “Iraq is in a difficult situation, allied both to America and to Iran. At times like this, it is squeezed between the two,” — Jack Hewson
- “I urge all our neighboring countries not to get involved in the United States adventure. This adventure will very soon end in failure,” — Mohsen Rezaei
What’s Next
Iraq continues negotiations with Washington to obtain humanitarian exemptions for selected airports. The outcome will determine whether limited passenger services can resume for medical, educational and pilgrimage travel while the broader sanctions regime remains in force.