Al-Sakini stated in an interview with the media that the Iraqi government's decision to halt flights to and from the Islamic Republic of Iran was made in response to U.S. pressures. He considered this action to be in violation of United Nations principles and an interference in Iraq's internal affairs, describing it as an infringement on his country's sovereignty.
Economic and Social Impacts of the Flight Ban
Al-Sakini continued that the government should reconsider this decision, especially considering the joint cooperation between Iraq and Iran in economic and social fields. He particularly mentioned the areas of food, tourism, and gas supply for Iraq, adding that Iraqi tankers also pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that continuing this ban could lead to serious disruptions in the economic interests of both countries.
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This Iraqi official emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran might take reciprocal actions in response to this decision, which would affect the airports of neighboring Arab countries and could lead to price increases. According to him, this decision could lead to further tensions between the two countries.
U.S. Pressures and Political Consequences
Al-Sakini also referred to Donald Trump's role in creating tensions between the two nations, Iraq and Iran, stating that yielding to U.S. pressures could exacerbate political disputes. He noted that the U.S. President, by ignoring the Iraqis, the government, and the parliament, has pushed the country toward a major crisis.
Following these developments, the Iraqi government issued an official statement on September 26, 2026, announcing that it is in direct talks with Washington to exempt some Iraqi airports from flight restrictions. This action aims to facilitate flights for humanitarian purposes, including medical treatment, education, and pilgrimage travel.
It is noteworthy that the U.S. Treasury Department recently placed 36 entities related to Iran's aviation sector, including 27 airlines, on its sanctions list. These restrictions have been in effect since last Wednesday, and their impacts are clearly visible in the Iraqi government's efforts to maintain relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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