Flights from Iran to Baghdad and Muscat are cancelled from midnight, local media report, in anticipation of expanded U.S. sanctions coming into force. Civil aviation authorities are said to have directed that the two airports will no longer accept Iranian flights.
Local reporting links the move to U.S. action against Iran’s aviation sector, after Washington blacklisted Iranian airlines earlier this month and warned of sanctions for foreign entities working with them. Korea Times, citing Tasnim, says other international routes are expected to continue operating as scheduled, including flights to Istanbul. It also reports talks to reroute Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf, a destination used by Iranian pilgrims, and negotiations with Oman.
The outlets differ mainly in emphasis: one notes the cancellations directly ahead of the sanctions deadline, while the other adds details on airport implementation and possible rerouting, including indications that Iraq and Oman are engaging with the situation at government and aviation levels. The reports also note that Iraq’s government has not yet publicly announced how the ban will be enforced, though sources say Baghdad intends to comply.
