Iran Urges Iraq to Decide on US Flight Restrictions

Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Thursday condemning US measures that disrupt Iran's commercial exchanges and air transportation with other countries through the extraterritorial enforcement of sanctions. The ministry described these actions as illegal and inhumane, asserting that they violate the United Nations Charter, international law, and fundamental human rights norms. It further warned that such measures constitute a dangerous scheme aimed at undermining friendly relations among countries, particularly neighboring states.

The statement highlighted the deep historical, religious, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Iran and Iraq, and expressed appreciation for the fraternal relations and good-neighborliness between the two nations. It emphasized that the imposed restrictions on civil air travel between Iran and Iraq are contrary to the common interests and welfare of both countries. The ministry noted that relations between Iran and Iraq transcend conventional neighborly ties, being based on extensive people-to-people connections and mutual interests across various fields.

Millions of Iranian and Iraqi citizens travel between the two countries for economic and commercial activities, pilgrimage to holy sites, tourism, education, and medical treatment. The ministry argued that these activities necessitate managing transportation and communications through an independent, responsible, and forward-looking approach based on shared interests. The restrictions, it said, create serious problems for hundreds of thousands of passengers, pilgrims, patients, students, and economic actors from both nations, and are in clear conflict with the strategic nature of Iran-Iraq relations.

While respecting Iraq's national sovereignty, Iran called for appropriate decisions to confront what it termed US economic terrorism and acts of fomenting discord. The ministry urged steps to remove the restrictions and restore normal conditions for flights operated by airlines of both countries, aligning with the interests and welfare of the two peoples. The statement did not specify a timeline or particular flight routes affected. According to Mehr News, the Foreign Ministry's statement reflects ongoing tensions over US sanctions enforcement and its impact on regional connectivity.