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// DOSSIER — us-secondary-sanctions-force-cancellation-iranian-flights-iraq
US Secondary Sanctions Force Initial Cancellation of Iranian Flights to Iraq and Oman
REL_TIME: 24 Sep 2026 07:14Z · LANG: EN
Expanded United States secondary sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector threaten to isolate Iranian commercial airlines globally by cutting foreign service providers off from the US dollar system if they offer fuel, landing, or ticketing services. Despite initial claims from Iranian aviation officials that international schedules remained unaffected, airports in Baghdad and Muscat ceased accepting Iranian flights as the sanctions went into effect. Authorities in Tehran are actively negotiating to reroute impacted pilgrim flights to Najaf while maintaining other routes, such as those to Istanbul, and receiving vocal diplomatic backing from China.
// Background
The secondary sanctions mark an escalation in 'Operation Economic Outcast,' a US Treasury initiative launched earlier in September 2026 that blacklisted dozens of entities linked to Iran's aviation sector. International flight disruptions in the region have grown steadily since wider conflict involving Iran and Israel commenced in late February 2026, causing multiple foreign carriers to pull out of Iranian airspace.
// Key Developments
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to ground Iranian airlines globally starting September 23, 2026, using secondary sanctions.
- Foreign airports and service providers face being shut out of the US dollar system if they supply fuel, landing services, or ticketing facilities to Iranian carriers.
- Baghdad and Muscat airports suspended incoming Iranian flights, contradicting initial Iranian assurances that no foreign routes were impacted.
- Iranian aviation officials are coordinating with Iraqi authorities to divert Baghdad-bound flights to Najaf.
- China publicly condemned the US measures as illegal unilateral sanctions lacking UN Security Council authorization.
// Timeline
-
War involving Iran begins, prompting major international airlines to suspend operations to Iran.
-
US Treasury blacklists 27 to 36 entities connected to Iranian aviation under Operation Economic Outcast.
-
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announces secondary sanctions targeting service providers to Iranian airlines starting September 23.
-
Iranian Civil Aviation Organization claims flight schedules are normal, while Beijing criticizes US sanctions.
-
US sanctions go into effect; airports in Baghdad and Muscat cease accepting Iranian flights, triggering rerouting talks for Najaf.
// Perspectives
[United States]
Aims to completely shut down Iranian commercial airlines globally by leveraging secondary sanctions against foreign support services and financial access.
[Iran]
Maintains that international routes will continue wherever possible, while seeking alternative flight destinations and route modifications to bypass restrictions.
[Iraq]
Moving to comply with US sanctions by suspending Iranian flights to Baghdad Airport, while discussing rerouting options to Najaf.
[China]
Denounces the US sanctions on Iranian aviation as unlawful coercion lacking international authorization.
// Quotes
“On September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world. If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system.”
“So far, none of the international flights operated by Iranian airlines have been cancelled, and flights are operating according to schedule.”
“China consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council.”
