Iran cancels flights to Baghdad and Muscat amid U.S. aviation sanctions

Iran’s civil aviation authorities are holding talks with their counterparts in Oman and Iraq to preserve regional air links amid escalating pressure from the United States. The meetings, conducted in Tehran and Muscat over the past week, focus on establishing contingency routes and mutual recognition of flight permits to ensure that passenger and cargo services can continue despite the tightening of sanctions. Iranian officials said the discussions aim to mitigate the impact of the U.S. “Bessent” program, which has begun targeting airlines that operate flights to or from Iran, a move that coincides with the seventh month of the broader regional conflict that erupted earlier this year.

U.S. officials have indicated that the Bessent initiative is intended to curb the transport of prohibited goods and limit revenue streams that could support hostile activities. The sanctions have already led several carriers to suspend or reroute flights, prompting concerns about disruptions to trade and humanitarian aid. By securing cooperative agreements with Oman and Iraq, Iran hopes to maintain a limited but functional air corridor that can bypass the most restrictive measures. Observers note that the outcome of these negotiations will shape the resilience of Middle‑East aviation networks as the conflict continues without a clear resolution.