Iran Files Complaint with ICAO Over US Restrictions on Aviation Sector

- The head of the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization, Abuzar Shiroudi, announced on Monday that the organization has held consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has submitted an official complaint to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in response to what he described as "the restrictions imposed on the Iranian aviation sector," as part of its efforts to resume air routes. He emphasized, in statements reported by the official Iranian news agency (IRNA), "the necessity of utilizing diplomatic and legal capabilities to safeguard the rights of the aviation sector in the country.",

He added that "the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization, utilizing all legal tools and in close coordination with the country's diplomatic apparatus, prioritizes following up on the necessary procedures to remove obstacles and resume all flights on the routes that were previously operational." Regarding the legal measures taken by the organization in response to external pressures, Shiroudi stated that an official protest was prepared in the name of the Islamic Republic of Iran and sent to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), "in defense of the legitimate rights of the aviation sector and in response to the illegal restrictions imposed by the United States."

He explained that the correspondence detailed Iran's grievances, along with documents that he said prove the disruption in flight operations. Shiroudi addressed the situation of connecting flights, explaining that since the restrictions on direct flights to Europe were imposed, connecting flights through regional aviation hubs, including Istanbul, have been used as an alternative option, noting that this route is still ongoing.

Regarding some air routes that have been temporarily suspended, the head of the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization stated that "following up on the reopening of flights and resuming them on those routes, which were halted due to war conditions and specific regional situations, is at the top of the organization's priorities." Shiroudi expressed hope for "the return of conditions to normalcy with the easing of tensions, and in light of diplomatic interactions."

These statements come following a remark by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Pisent to CNBC last Monday, in which he stated that Iranian airlines will effectively be forced to cease operations starting September 23 due to secondary sanctions imposed on aviation service providers.