Iranian airlines canceled some international flights Wednesday as new US aviation sanctions took effect. Georgia and Azerbaijan confirmed they suspended Iranian flights; a Tehran agent told AFP flights to Baghdad, Muscat and Qatar stopped, while China routes remained open.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said “probably more than 80 or 90 percent” of Iran’s external flights had been shut down. FlightRadar24 tracking data showed a Mahan Air flight landed in Guangzhou after the measures took effect, while a flight to Shanghai was scheduled. President Massoud Pezeshkian said US sanctions and pressure would intensify Iranian resistance.
Iraq’s government had not announced plans to enforce the restrictions, although several sources, including a senior official, told AFP Baghdad would comply. Iranian flights to Najaf were reported to be running normally, and Tasnim said authorities were discussing rerouting Baghdad flights there. Travel agencies said some customers were considering longer land journeys.
