Tehran: Advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader Mohammad Mokhbar has said that if Iran is prevented from operating flights and using airport facilities, the situation regarding air operations in the region could be affected for everyone.
Mohammad Mokhbar’s statement comes at a time when pressure has increased on the international operations of Iranian airlines. Following the new US sanctions, several regional countries have taken measures related to flights and airport services of Iranian airlines.
The United Arab Emirates has suspended the movement of Iranian airlines until further notice. According to Emirati officials, this decision was made in the context of US sanctions. Washington has also indicated action against companies that provide air services to Iranian airlines.
The situation has also changed for Iranian flights in Iraq. After Baghdad, Iranian flight activities have been affected in Najaf, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. According to recent reports, Iranian flights have been suspended at all four airports in Iraq.
Iran had previously announced the cancellation of flights to Baghdad and Muscat. Iranian officials have also discussed the possibility of transferring some flights to Baghdad to Najaf.
The scope of US sanctions is not limited to airlines. US officials have also warned airports, fuel suppliers, ground handling companies and other service providers of potential sanctions. The move has made it more difficult for Iranian airlines to maintain operations abroad.
Mohammad Mokhbar said in his statement that flights in the region should be either for everyone or for no one. However, he did not clarify what practical measures Iran would take in response to these sanctions.
In the recent situation, Iran’s air connections have been affected in many directions, although Iranian flights to China and some other destinations have not completely ceased. Decisions regarding air connections in the region are also changing rapidly.
