Iraq Suspends Flights of Iranian Airlines Subject to US Sanctions

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Baghdad is moving to suspend the operations of Iranian airlines subject to U.S. sanctions in Iraq, a step that comes as Washington intensifies its economic pressure on Tehran and threatens secondary sanctions on entities that provide services to the targeted airlines.

On Monday, the French news agency "AFP" reported, citing Iraqi sources, that Baghdad will suspend the operations of Iranian airlines covered by U.S. sanctions.

In the same context, Iraqi reports indicated that the suspension of flights will begin on Tuesday, September 22, and will include Iraqi airports, while travel between the two countries will remain available through land crossings.

All details regarding the scope of the decision or the list of airlines that will be affected are not immediately clear, while the "AFP" report focuses on Iranian companies that are under U.S. sanctions.

The Iraqi move comes in conjunction with Washington escalating its economic pressures on Iran, as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bensett confirmed on Monday that sanctions will target entities that provide services to Iranian airlines.

Bensett stated that Iranian airlines will face extensive restrictions on their operations worldwide starting from September 23 due to the threat of secondary sanctions on air service providers.

He explained that any entity providing services to targeted Iranian aircraft, including refueling, landing services, or ticket sales, may face the risk of being excluded from the dollar-based financial system, as he put it.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary also noted that his country continues to exert economic pressure on Tehran, adding that he cannot specify how long the conflict with Iran will last.

These measures are part of a broader American campaign to tighten sanctions on the Iranian economy and reduce Tehran's ability to access international markets and services.

The new restrictions coincided with the ongoing tension between Washington and Tehran, despite diplomatic efforts led by regional parties in an attempt to reach a peaceful settlement.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he is considering several options in dealing with Iran, ranging from continuing economic pressure and reaching an agreement to the military option, indicating that he will make a decision regarding Tehran soon.

In contrast, Iran continued to warn against any new American attack, asserting that it would respond to any targeting of its territory or interests.