Iraq Suspends Iranian Flights to Baghdad After US Threatens Sanctions on Airport Service Providers

Iraqi authorities announced the suspension of Iranian flights to Baghdad on September 22, 2026, citing US pressure. The US had warned airport service providers in Iraq of potential sanctions if they continued to facilitate Iranian flights. This decision has disrupted travel arrangements and caused panic among Iraqi travel agencies, which rely heavily on Iranian air routes. The US has not officially confirmed the sanctions threat, but multiple sources indicate that it has been actively pressuring Iraqi officials to cut ties with Iranian aviation entities. Iran has not commented publicly on the suspension, though its state media has hinted at diplomatic retaliation. Iraqi officials have not provided further details on the rationale behind the decision, leaving the situation in limbo. The suspension has immediate economic and diplomatic consequences for both Iraq and Iran. Iraqi travel agencies, which depend on Iranian flights for tourism and business, are scrambling to find alternatives. Meanwhile, Iran is likely to view the move as a direct challenge to its regional influence.