Iraq grapples with US sanctions as limited Iranian flights resume
Iran's foreign ministry denounced U.S. extraterritorial sanctions as illegal and inhumane, while a service to Najaf resumed late Monday after a brief suspension. Flights at Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah airports remain suspended, forcing passengers onto journeys of at least twelve hours. Iraq's foreign minister said the country is a victim of the U.S.-Iran conflict and is reluctant to sanction Iranian airlines. The United States has granted an exemption that allows Iraqi Airways to operate pilgrim flights to Iran, though a full schedule has not yet been set.
Why it matters
The dispute limits travel for millions and highlights how U.S. sanctions affect regional mobility and humanitarian movement.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage stresses Iran’s growing isolation and legal protests against U.S. sanctions, centrist coverage highlights a U.S. waiver that enables limited flight resumptions, while right-leaning coverage foregrounds the sanctions’ crippling effect and portrays the U.S. campaign as a success in isolating Tehran.
LEFT
Iran is being increasingly isolated by U.S. aviation sanctions, prompting humanitarian concerns and formal legal complaints.
CENTER
Diplomatic negotiations have secured a U.S. waiver, allowing limited Iraqi-Iran flights to resume despite the sanctions.
RIGHT
U.S. sanctions are effectively grounding Iranian airlines and demonstrating a successful campaign to isolate Iran.
The left emphasises
- “Iranian carriers cancel flights… as US aviation sanctions tighten regional links”
- “Iran’s isolation… limiting travel, trade and academic, cultural and language exchanges”
- “Iran lodges ICAO complaint… seeking legal relief”
The right emphasises
- “U.S. announced fresh sanctions… effectively grounding most international flights from the country”
- “Treasury spokesperson… claims the United States has successfully isolated Iran economically”
- “U.S. sanctions shut down Iranian flights… highlighting the crackdown’s impact”
How this story developed
- Sep 4 China Uses Strategic Reserves to Offset Iran Conflict While U.S. SPR Hits 44-Year Low
- Sep 22 Iranian carriers suspended several overseas routes after the United States imposed new aviation sanctions, halting flights to Baghdad, Muscat and Qatar while some China services persist.
- Sep 23 A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile, igniting a fire and forcing crew evacuation.
- Sep 24 Iran’s president publicly rejected any surrender to the United States at the UN.
- Sep 25 Trump publicly voiced support for Saudi self‑reliance against Houthi attacks.
- Sep 25 The UAE has not confirmed an official ban despite the cancellation of Iranian flights to Dubai.
- Sep 27 France announced a military mission to Saudi Arabia.
- Sep 27 The Saudi pipeline across the Arabian Peninsula was closed after an attack in Iraq, adding to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sep 29 Trump turned down Iran’s peace proposal at the United Nations.
- Sep 29 The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions on ten individuals and firms accused of obtaining weapons components for Iran's defence ministry.
- Oct 2 The United States has now sanctioned Iran's automotive and railway sectors.
- Oct 2 Saudi Arabia resumed loading oil tankers from its Yanbu port.
- Oct 2 The United States granted an exemption permitting Iraqi Airways to resume pilgrim flights to Iran.
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