Iran threatens to widen air traffic restrictions in Middle East

Iran is threatening to widen restrictions on air traffic in the Middle East after several countries halted connections with Iranian carriers. Mohammad Mokhber, a senior politician and adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said flights in the region should be possible "for everyone or for no one." If Iran can no longer fly or use airport services, he said, the same would apply to other states in the region. He did not say how such a restriction might be carried out.

The warning follows new US sanctions on Iranian aviation. The US Treasury Department sanctioned 36 companies and organisations on 8 September, including 27 Iranian airlines. From 23 September, foreign companies also face the threat of sanctions if they support affected airlines, for instance with fuel or ground handling.

The United Arab Emirates, several airports in Iraq, Azerbaijan and Georgia have since restricted or suspended connections with Iranian airlines. Mahan Air has also suspended flights to Turkey and Oman. Some international connections, including to China, Russia and Turkey, are still being operated.

The source did not specify which carriers or airports would be affected by any further measures.