WANA (Sep 26) – With the implementation of U.S. air sanctions against Iran’s aviation industry and simultaneous reports of restrictions or the denial of certain airport services to Iranian aircraft by a number of countries in the region, discussion over Iran’s possible response to these pressures has entered a new phase.
However, the continuation of Iranian flights to some destinations, including countries in East and Southeast Asia, shows that the restrictions imposed so far have not completely halted Iran’s international flights.
Continued Flights to East Asian Destinations
Ramin Kashef-Azar, CEO of Imam Khomeini International Airport City, announced today that Iranian flights to East Asia, including China, Vietnam and Malaysia, are operating. Aviation officials have also said that Iranian airlines are negotiating to open new air routes, an effort that could be part of Iran’s attempt to maintain its air connections under the new circumstances.
However, in recent days, reports have emerged about a lack of cooperation or the imposition of restrictions by some neighboring countries, including Iraq, the Republic of Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Latest Update on Iran’s Airspace Amid U.S. Air Blockade
WANA (Sep 25) – Despite the suspension or disruption of some flights from Iran to regional destinations, flights between Iran and several countries, including China, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and Thailand, continued today. Several international flights to and from Iran were operated this morning on routes connecting the country with China, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and […]
The details of these reports require further examination, but if such restrictions are confirmed and expanded, Iranian airlines will face greater challenges in obtaining airport services, refueling, technical support and other services required outside the country.
Iran’s Reciprocal Response to Air Restrictions
Mohammad Reza Rezaei-Koochi, chairman of the Parliament’s Civil Engineering Commission, criticized the imposition of flight restrictions on Iranian airlines by some countries in the region, saying that if neighboring countries seek to restrict or halt Iranian flights and refuse to provide the necessary services to Iranian flights, Iran will also prevent flights from those countries to destinations where reciprocal restrictions can be imposed.
The remarks came after the U.S. Treasury Secretary had previously announced the launch of air sanctions against Iran. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Mohammad Mokhber, the Leader’s aide, had also said in response to the policy: “Flights in the region are free for everyone, or no one.”
Although September 23 was previously announced as the implementation date for the policy, Iranian flights to some foreign destinations have continued after that date. Therefore, the air blockade or restrictions cannot currently be considered a complete closure of Iran’s air routes, particularly as some flights to East and Southeast Asia remain operational, and airlines are also seeking new routes.
Passengers at the terminal hall after flights resumed at International Imam Khomeini Airport, amid a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 25, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Strait of Hormuz; Iran’s Reciprocal Leverage
However, if the pressure expands, Iran has options to counter the air restrictions. One such option is reciprocal action in the airport sector; that is, if some countries restrict services to Iranian flights, Iran could impose similar conditions on flights from those countries to destinations where reciprocal restrictions are possible. Rezaei-Koochi’s remarks fit into this context.
Another option is the use of Iran’s capabilities in maritime transit and the Strait of Hormuz. Over the past year, Iran has allowed countries such as Iraq and other countries that had not participated in U.S. actions against Iran to continue oil exports and trade through the Strait of Hormuz. If these countries join the air pressure against Iran, Tehran could reconsider such concessions in its calculations.
Energy: Leverage Against Neighboring Countries
The energy sector is another capacity that could be considered within the framework of reciprocal measures. Iraq meets a significant portion of its gas and electricity needs through Iran, and any disruption in this cooperation could affect the country’s energy situation.
Turkey also receives part of the gas it needs from Iran through a pipeline, and the energy relations between the two countries are another area that could be affected if restrictions are intensified.
Turkmenistan Denies Iranian Aircraft Permission to Fly Through Its Airspace
WANA (Sep 24) – Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization spokesman has explained why a Tehran–Dushanbe flight operated by an Iranian airline was forced to return to Tehran after being unable to land at its destination. Majid Akhavan said the aircraft was unable to continue its journey because Turkmenistan had not granted Iranian airlines permission to […]
Alongside these issues, Tehran could also factor in Iran’s energy relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan and regional gas transmission routes. However, the use of these levers will depend on political and regional conditions and both sides’ decisions.
Military Option in Response Scenarios
The military option has also been raised in some statements as one of the possible scenarios for Iran’s response, particularly regarding countries that have participated in U.S. military operations against Iran or have made their facilities and bases available to U.S. forces. This option is one of the scenarios raised and does not mean Iran has made a definitive decision to take such action.
Overall, if expanded, the air blockade could put greater pressure on Iran’s aviation industry, but its scope and effects will largely depend on the extent to which different countries cooperate with U.S. policy.
At the same time, the continuation of flights to destinations in East and Southeast Asia and efforts to open new routes show that Iran still has the ability to use alternative routes and, if restrictions intensify, will also have reciprocal options in the areas of aviation, energy and maritime transportation.
Iranian International Flights Continue Despite New U.S. Sanctions: Which Routes Remain Operational?
WANA (Sep 23) – Despite new U.S. restrictions and threats targeting Iran’s aviation sector, Iranian international flights continue to operate to a number of destinations, while only certain routes have been fully suspended or halted by specific airlines. A review of the latest flight schedules as of Wednesday, September 23, shows that flights between […]