Iranian airlines continued operating international flights Wednesday, defying a U.S. deadline intended to ground the nation's fleet. This defiance comes as the Treasury Secretary stated that Washington is pressuring Iran like never before, seven months into the conflict.
The U.S. is targeting carriers by imposing sanctions on companies that provide services to the airlines, while threats of secondary sanctions against airports have seen various routes closed off. These measures have caused Iranian carriers to lose access to airspace, intensifying travel disruptions.
A travel agent in Tehran reported that flights to Baghdad, Muscat, Qatar, Georgia, and Azerbaijan have been suspended. Despite these closures, routes to multiple other destinations, including China, remain available.
As a result of the disruptions, civilians are being pushed toward costly land routes. In an effort to manage the situation, Iranian aviation officials are currently negotiating with Iraq and Oman.