On September 26, 2026, Iranian advisor Mohammad Mohber stated that Tehran will not tolerate restrictions on its airlines due to US sanctions. He emphasized that if Iran's flight opportunities are limited, no country in the region will be able to fly.
Threats to Close Air Traffic
Mohber noted that "flights in the region are either open to all or to none." This statement raised concerns about the potential consequences for international air travel. If Iran follows through on its threats, it could lead to:
- a mass closure of airspace in the Middle East;
- cancellations and rescheduling of thousands of flights;
- increased ticket prices;
- longer flight times from Europe to Asia.
Impact of Sanctions on Aviation
Previously, due to US sanctions, the servicing of flights by Iranian airlines was suspended in Iraq and UAE airports. This has negatively impacted the capabilities of Iranian carriers, which are already facing challenges due to international restrictions.
The situation highlights the growing tension in the region, where air travel is critical for economic ties and tourism flows.