Iraq has refused landing permission to an aircraft carrying Iran’s national football team, citing concerns over possible violations of United States sanctions against Iranian airlines, according to Iraqi aviation officials.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 10, when the aircraft was prevented from landing at Basra International Airport. The plane returned to Iran and landed in the city of Abadan, while the Iranian delegation prepared to continue its journey to Basra by road, an Iranian consulate official said.
The Iranian team is travelling to participate in a four-nation football tournament in Basra, featuring Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Palestine.
An Iraqi civil aviation official said the decision was taken because the country could not risk breaching US sanctions imposed on Iranian airlines. The restrictions have increasingly affected international operations involving Iranian carriers and the companies providing them with aviation services.
Washington announced further sanctions targeting companies doing business with Iranian airlines after September 23, as part of a broader effort to restrict Iran’s aviation sector and ground its civilian fleet.
The pressure has already affected air travel between the two neighbouring countries. In September, Iraq suspended Iranian flights to Baghdad following US warnings that airports and service providers handling sanctioned Iranian carriers could face secondary sanctions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that airports servicing Iranian airlines could face penalties, including exclusion from the US dollar financial system.
The latest incident highlights the growing impact of US sanctions beyond Iran, placing countries such as Iraq in a difficult position as they balance international financial restrictions with regional relations and sporting commitments.
Despite the disruption, Iran’s team is expected to reach Basra by road and participate in the tournament.
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