Iran’s Mokhber Threatens Regional Air Travel as Iraq’s Najaf Halts Iranian Flights
Published
Iraq's Najaf International Airport suspended all flights to and from Iran from 2 a.m. on Friday, September 25, until further notice, its administration said. Airport director Hussein Muhanna said the halt followed a directive from the prime minister's office, after Iranian flights to Baghdad were also stopped amid a U.S. threat to sanction any airport serving sanctioned Iranian airlines. Hours later, Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, said flights in the region are "either free for everyone or for no one," warning that if Iran cannot fly and receive airport services, no country in the region will. Najaf is a main gateway for Iranian pilgrims visiting Shiite shrines.