Iran has warned neighboring countries against cooperating with U.S. efforts to restrict Iranian airlines, saying their own airports could also lose the ability to operate if they help block Iranian flights.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued the warning as Washington intensifies sanctions on the country’s aviation sector.
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Mohsen Rezaei speaks during a ceremony in Tehran on May 24, 2026. Photo: Morteza Nikoubazl / Tasnim News Agency / CC BY 4.0 |
“We ask all the countries of the region not to join America’s adventure,” Rezaei said, according to Tasnim News Agency.
“If they do not allow Iranian aircraft to travel, their own airports will not be able to have flights either,” he added.
U.S. targets 27 Iranian airlines
The warning comes after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 27 Iranian airlines on September 8 as part of a broader package targeting Iran’s aviation industry.
The Treasury said the measures were aimed at all remaining Iranian airlines and also targeted foreign companies, intermediaries and procurement networks accused of helping Iran obtain aircraft, parts and aviation-related technology.
The sanctions increase the risk for foreign companies that provide services such as fuel, handling, maintenance, ticketing or other support to sanctioned Iranian carriers.
Since the measures took effect, some Iranian international routes have been suspended or disrupted. Azerbaijan and Georgia have halted some Iranian-linked flights, while reports have also pointed to cancellations or restrictions affecting other regional destinations.
Tehran leaves the threat undefined
Rezaei did not explain how Iran could prevent neighboring airports from operating if those countries comply with U.S. restrictions.
His remarks therefore leave open whether Tehran was referring to political pressure, reciprocal aviation restrictions or a broader form of retaliation.
The warning adds a new layer of uncertainty to regional aviation at a time when U.S. pressure is already narrowing Iran’s access to international air routes.
The U.S. measures are part of a wider campaign to isolate Iran economically and restrict its aviation sector, while Tehran has warned neighboring states against joining Washington’s pressure campaign.
Sources: U.S. Department of the Treasury; Tasnim News Agency; Al Jazeera