TEHRAN: Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization said airports in Muscat and Baghdad would no longer accept Iranian flights from midnight local time on September 23, according to Iranian media reports.
Organization spokesman Majid Akhavan said Iranian authorities were coordinating efforts to divert Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf International Airport instead.
Iranian authorities are also holding consultations with Oman over the restrictions affecting flights to Muscat. There was no immediate public statement from Omani authorities on the reported changes.
Other international services, including flights to Istanbul, were reported to be operating as scheduled.
The changes come as the United States introduces tougher measures targeting Iranian airlines and companies providing services to them. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said foreign airports, fuel suppliers, ground-handling companies and other service providers could face secondary sanctions for supporting Iranian carriers.
The US measures are part of Washington’s broader sanctions campaign against Iran. The latest restrictions are expected to make international operations more difficult for Iranian airlines by limiting access to essential services at foreign airports.