Flights from Iran to Baghdad and Muscat will no longer be accepted from midnight local time on Tuesday, according to Iran's state-linked Tasnim news agency,
citing a spokesperson for the country's Civil Aviation Organization. Iranian aviation authorities are coordinating to redirect flights bound for Baghdad to Najaf airport in Iraq, the spokesperson said. Other international flights from Iran, including those to Istanbul, are expected to continue operating as scheduled, with no current disruptions, according to the official. The developments come as the US expands sanctions against Iran's aviation sector and warns that Iranian commercial airlines could effectively be shut out of the global aviation system from Wednesday. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that international airports, ground-handling companies and ticketing agents could face US sanctions if they continue providing services to Iranian airlines. "On September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," Bessent told CNBC. "If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system," he said. The measures could make it difficult for Iranian airlines to obtain fuel, landing assistance and ticketing services outside Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: every Iranian airline will be shut down worldwide starting September 23.
"If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar…— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 21, 2026
Iran Says International Flights Continue
Iranian officials have said they are working to maintain international air links despite the sanctions. "So far, none of the international flights operated by Iranian airlines have been cancelled, and flights are operating according to schedule," Majid Akhavan, spokesman for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization, told the ISNA news agency on Tuesday.
"Passengers will be informed in advance of any changes to flight schedules," he added.
Iran Air, the country's state carrier, also said it had received no instructions from aviation authorities in Turkey, Iraq or Azerbaijan requiring its flights to be suspended.
The airline sector has already faced significant disruption since the war between Iran and Israel began in late February, with international airlines largely avoiding flights to Iran.
Washington imposed new sanctions on Iran's aviation sector two weeks ago, targeting 27 airlines. Foreign companies and banks that continue doing business with the sanctioned carriers could also face penalties.
China Opposes Sanctions
China has criticised the US measures, describing the planned restrictions as unilateral sanctions without a basis in international law or approval from the UN Security Council. "China consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters on Tuesday.
His comments came ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday.
