Multiple countries ban Iranian flights amid tightening aerial blockade

Several countries have halted Iranian airline operations following U.S. sanctions on Iran's aviation sector. Georgia banned all Iranian flights as of September 21, while Azerbaijan has prohibited Iranian airlines from operating in the country. In Iraq, Najaf airport—the last Iraqi airport accepting flights to Iran after other airports closed—has now suspended landings and takeoffs on Iranian routes. Iranian sources suggest a land blockade closing border crossings with neighboring countries could follow the aerial restrictions.