Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has publicly dismissed reports suggesting Tehran plans to respond militarily to recent restrictions imposed on Iranian aviation. According to a statement released by the council, negotiations are ongoing with concerned countries to lift what Iran describes as "unlawfully imposed" restrictions on its air travel. The council emphasized that Iran has "numerous non-military options" available against some airports if deemed necessary.
This announcement follows recent warnings from Iranian officials, including Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the security council, who cautioned neighboring countries against cooperating with U.S. sanctions that restrict Iranian aviation. Rezaei indicated that institutions in these countries risk losing their own airport operations if they impede Iranian flights.
Senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Mohammad Mokhber, echoed similar sentiments, stating that regional air travel should be accessible to all or to none, implying possible reciprocal actions if Iran's flights or airport services are hindered. The restrictions stem from new U.S. sanctions, which barred Iranian airlines from operating in regional countries such as Oman, the UAE, and Iraq, effectively halting Iranian flights across international and regional airspace.
The dispute over air navigation and flight restrictions is part of larger stalled negotiations over the reinstatement of a nuclear agreement and the broader U.S.-Iran relationship, with key issues including navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remaining unresolved.
