Iraq halts Iranian airline operations amid US pressure

Iraqi authorities have ordered a halt to Iranian airline services to the capital, with sources attributing the decision to pressure from Washington over sanctions violations. The suspension affects direct flight routes between Iranian cities and Baghdad that have been operational for several years.

The action underscores Baghdad's delicate balancing act between its powerful neighbour Iran and the United States, both of which maintain significant influence in Iraq. American officials have repeatedly warned countries and companies against facilitating Iranian aviation operations, as part of broader sanctions aimed at limiting Tehran's economic reach.

Iran's aviation sector has faced severe restrictions following the 2018 US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, with international carriers largely avoiding Iranian airlines due to sanctions compliance concerns. The suspension of Iraqi routes further isolates Iranian carriers from regional markets.

Iraq has faced repeated US demands to enforce sanctions compliance, while simultaneously managing its substantial economic and security ties with Iran. The aviation suspension is the latest example of how American pressure has reshaped Iraq's foreign policy decisions, though officials in Baghdad have not issued formal public statements regarding the matter.

The move is likely to strain Iraq-Iran relations further, particularly as Tehran seeks to maintain trade and transit routes through its western neighbour amid international isolation.