Iran flights suspended to Iraq and Oman as US sanctions pressure intensifies

Sep 22, 2026

Iranian commercial aviation faces severe disruptions as flights to Baghdad and Muscat are suspended ahead of new US secondary sanctions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any airport servicing Iranian carriers will be cut off from the US dollar system. While Iraq and Oman restrict flights, prompting talks to divert routes to Najaf, China and Russia resist the pressure campaign, with Beijing refusing to enforce the unilateral restrictions.

Iran flight cancellations

▪Iran's Civil Aviation Organization stated that other international flights, including services to Istanbul, would continue to operate as scheduled.
▪Mahan Air suspended flights to Turkey and Oman in mid-September 2026 at the request of those countries.
▪Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced the cancellation of flights from Tehran to Baghdad and Muscat starting at midnight on September 23, 2026.

US secondary sanctions threat

▪The United States government alleges that Iranian commercial flights have played a role in transporting weapons and military fighters.
▪US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that all Iranian airlines would face a shutdown on September 23, 2026, due to the threat of secondary sanctions on aviation service providers.
▪The United States Treasury Department warned that foreign companies providing fuel, landing services, or ticket sales to Iranian airlines would be excluded from the US dollar system.

Baghdad airport suspension

▪Iraq ordered its civil aviation authority to suspend Iranian flights to Baghdad International Airport starting at midnight on September 23, 2026.
▪Iraqi and Iranian officials initiated discussions to divert scheduled Iranian flights from Baghdad to Najaf International Airport.

Muscat airport restrictions

▪Iran's Civil Aviation Organization confirmed that negotiations were underway with Omani authorities regarding the flight restrictions at Muscat airport.
▪Oman blocked the admission of Iranian travelers at Muscat airport, prompting ongoing consultations between Iranian and Omani aviation authorities

Regional aviation disruptions

▪Turkey enforced financial restrictions on Iranian banks, canceling the license of Bank Melli Iran's Istanbul branch and taking control of Golden Global Investment Bank.
▪Aviation services across the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, experienced widespread delays and cancellations on September 23, 2026.
▪Aviation authorities in Georgia halted all departures to Iran effective September 21, 2026.
▪China's Foreign Ministry stated it would not enforce the unilateral US sanctions on Mahan Air and other Iranian airlines.