RFE
23 Sep 2026

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12:56

Iran Cancels Some International Flights As US Sanctions Bite

One of Irans largest carriers, Mahan Air operated a flight to China after the sanctions took effect. (file photo)

Iranian airlines canceled some international flights on September 23 after the United States tightened sanctions on Irans aviation industry as part of efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

Flights from Iran to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia, and Azerbaijan were suspended, a Tehran travel agent told AFP, while services to destinations such as China and Turkey continued despite some cancelations.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessentannounced the measureson September 21, vowing to shut down Iranian carriers and threatening penalties against countries and companies that provide them with services.

The full impact remained unclear. Mahan Air, one of Irans largest carriers, operated a flight to Guangzhou after the sanctions took effect, while China said it opposed the measures.

Iraq has not publicly announced whether it will enforce the restrictions, although officials told AFP that Baghdad would comply. Iranian authorities were in talks to reroute Baghdad services to Najaf, a major destination for Shi'a pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkianflew to New Yorkon September 22 for the UN General Assembly aboard Ashianeh, a little-known Iranian airline that does not appear to be under US or EU sanctions.

With reporting by AFPShare

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12:19

Why Saudi Arabias Oil Is Getting Harder To Ship

The crises in the Middle East are creating a growing challenge for Saudi Arabia: how it gets its oil to global markets. Shipping costs are rising, oil recently topped $105 a barrel, and global inventories are being rapidly drained. (Video by Kian Sharifi and Kenan Cerimagic)