Iran has publicly urged Iraq to rescind restrictions on flights between the two countries that were put in place after Washington tightened sanctions on Tehran. Iranian officials said the curbs were harming bilateral relations and called for the measures to be reversed.
The flight limitations were introduced in the wake of fresh US sanctions targeting Iran, a move that has had diplomatic reverberations across the region. Iranian authorities characterized the restrictions as an unnecessary escalation that disrupts travel and commerce between the neighbouring states.
Iran and Iraq maintain close economic, cultural and religious ties, and air links are a key component of that relationship, carrying pilgrims, business travellers and cargo. Tehran’s appeal to Baghdad reflects concern about the immediate impact of the curbs and the wider effect on cooperation between the two governments.
The call for lifting the curbs underscores growing tensions linked to third-party pressures, notably from Washington. Tehran framed the dispute as one that should be resolved between the two capitals, urging diplomatic engagement to restore normal flight operations and ease strain on bilateral ties.