‘If our planes are stopped, we won’t let anyone fly’:Iran says after UAE, Oman and others suspend services; 100 international flights operate from Iran daily

Iran has warned that if restrictions are imposed on its flights, it could prevent other aircraft from operating in the region. Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said flights in West Asia would either remain open to everyone or be closed to everyone. The warning comes after the US announced restrictions on all Iranian airlines on September 23. Several countries, including the UAE and Oman, have since suspended flights to and from Iran. Iran threatens wider impact on regional aviation Mokhber said, “Flights in West Asia will either remain open to everyone or be closed to everyone.” Iran operates around 100 international flights a day on average. The extent of the impact of the US restrictions on Iranian flights is not yet clear. Iran’s threat could affect regional aviation if it attempts to restrict flights operating through its airspace. However, Iran does not have direct authority to close another country’s airports or airspace. US warns companies helping Iranian airlines The US has also warned foreign companies against providing Iranian airlines with fuel, landing facilities or ticketing services. Washington has said such companies could face action and potentially lose access to the US dollar financial system. This could make it difficult for affected companies to conduct dollar transactions through US banks. The US pressure therefore extends beyond Iranian airlines to foreign companies that provide them with services or support. Iran asks neighbours not to follow US restrictions Earlier, Mohsen Rezaei of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council urged neighbouring countries not to comply with the US restrictions on Iranian flights. On Wednesday, Rezaei said countries that joined the US in restricting Iranian flights would also face restrictions on flights to Iran from their airports. How could Iran disrupt other flights? Iran has not explained how it would enforce its threat. According to Al Jazeera, Tehran does not have direct control over other countries’ airports or airspace. However, military action by Iran has previously disrupted aviation across the region. During the initial phase of the US-Israel conflict with Iran that began on February 28, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Jordan. These countries subsequently closed their airspace, either fully or partially, for a period. ​